Sleep medicine provider perceptions and attitudes regarding consumer sleep technology.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers
PubMed 37086048 · doi:10.5664/jcsm.10604
What was done
A cross-sectional survey assessed the perceptions and attitudes of a convenience sample of 176 practicing adult and pediatric sleep medicine and behavioral sleep medicine experts (physicians, psychologists, and advanced practice providers) recruited via social media and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine directory regarding patient use of consumer sleep technology (CST) in clinical settings.
What was found
Providers reported that an estimated 36% (range 3%–95%) of patients used CST, with wrist-worn devices and smartphone apps being the most prevalent. Clinicians perceived patient motivations to be primarily sleep measurement and self-discovery. Clinicians did not endorse frequent CST use across sleep disorders, with the highest utility reported for assisting with sleep diaries. Overall, providers rated devices as somewhat accurate and neutral regarding helpfulness. Qualitative feedback linked CST to increased patient engagement but also to increased orthosomnia and misperceptions about sleep.
Why it matters
As commercial sleep trackers proliferate, this study shows sleep specialists recognize their utility for patient awareness and diary completion, but remain cautious regarding clinical utility and the potential to exacerbate sleep-related anxiety.
Limits
The study relied on a convenience sample recruited through social media and a professional directory, introducing potential selection bias. Findings are based entirely on subjective provider perceptions and estimates rather than objective patient outcomes or direct clinical records.
Cited by
- context Orthosomnia is a clinical sleep disorder characterized by sleep obsession induced by the use of sleep trackers.