Sleep is necessary, but the idea of another disorder existing appears evident when it becomes an obsession.

Technology has increased the number of sleep disorders that we are currently seeing and which healthcare is tracking. The latest is orthosomnia, which is related to sleep-tracking devices that are becoming increasingly popular.

Focusing too much on this information could make sleeping difficult or cause insomnia. “Orthosomnia” is a term that describes an unhealthy fixation with finding the best possible sleep metrics using data from fitness trackers or mobile phone apps. The word is a portmanteau of “somnia” (meaning sleep) and “ortho,” meaning straight, correct, or proper.

Orthosomnia and insomnia are both sleep-related disorders, yet they are very different. The difference between insomnia, a medically diagnosable sleep disorder, and orthosomnia, a social phenomenon akin to the increasingly famous “social jet lag,” is stark.

This sleep disturbance and its components are still mostly unknown, although several behaviors are commonly linked to it. Some examples of these habits are worrying excessively about becoming disconnected from technology and fixating on the data from the sleep tracker.

Orthosomnia, in a nutshell, is an obsession with getting the perfect night’s sleep—one that is undisturbed, follows a regular pattern, and prioritizes the body’s recovery. But do we have anything such as the "perfect" sleep, or is that an illusion that drives us to satisfy it? How about getting a good night's sleep and keeping to the cardinal points sleep experts recommend? First, let's look at one possible reason for the beginning of orthosomnia.

Technology’s Role

Striving for perfection in anything can prevent us from living comfortably. What factors have led to the emergence of this disorder, and should we take some action to address it? For the record, sleep is big business, and that may be where some issues lie.

The worldwide market for sleep monitoring devices was valued at $26.6 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow by 11.7% between 2024 and 2030. Due to the increasing number of people suffering from sleep problems, we can also expect a rise in the adoption of sleep-tracking devices.

Common sleep tracking devices include Fitbit devices, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Withings Sleep, Garmin watches, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Xiaomi Mi Band, Whoop Strap, SleepScore Max, Beddit Sleep Monitor.

Are we becoming slaves to technology rather than the other way around? If a sleep tracker is found to be problematic, what might the easiest solution be? Of course, we could do away with it because it may not provide anything of value and could even disrupt both our sleep and our normal lifestyle.

Sleep trackers are placed in the same category as blood pressure indicators, but the two are distinctly different. At the same time, one may be medically indicated to be far superior to the other. We know we need to monitor and maintain a safe blood pressure level, but sleep tracking provides little, if anything, to us. Gadgets can have attractive names that would make them more appealing, but they are still expensive gadgets.

What Are the Usual Symptoms?

1. Fixating on getting “perfect” sleep. Even during the day, they could be preoccupied with how well they slept the night before.

2. Checking sleep tracker data obsessively: People may discover that they check their sleep tracker data numerous times daily. They may look for trends or reasons for their supposed sleep problems by analyzing every part of the data.

3. Worrying more about falling asleep: People who suffer from orthoinsomnia may feel more anxious in the hours leading up to their bedtime. Their ability to go to sleep fast, stay asleep for adequate time, and get the proper mix of stages of sleep is a source of concern for them.

4. Pressure to obtain good sleep metrics can make it harder to fall asleep: People may find it contradictory that the pressure to perform well on their sleep tracker makes it harder to fall asleep. Anxiety and disturbed sleep are vicious cycles that can result from this kind of self-imposed stress.

5. Feeling sleepy during the day even when you get enough sleep: Some people report feeling weary even after using sleep trackers to confirm that they get enough sleep. People get frustrated and confused because their monitored sleep does not match their subjective experience.

6. When people’s subjective experiences of sleep do not match up with the data from their tracker, it can lead to feelings of upset or invalidation. As a result, they may start to question the device’s accuracy or even their perceptions.

7. People risk putting too much faith in their sleep tracker rather than their subjective experiences of being tired or overly rested. In favor of believing what the numbers say, individuals may ignore their true feelings.

8. Sleep patterns changed for metrics: Some people could alter their sleep habits in ways that are not always good for them, all to get better sleep scores. For instance, individuals may not get out of bed at the usual times or remain in bed for longer than necessary.

9. Having a simplistic view of sleep: People who suffer from orthosomnia may develop a simplistic view of sleep. People may mistakenly assume that a score below perfect indicates a bad night’s sleep, failing to consider the inherent variety in sleep patterns.

10. Lessening of the pleasure of sleep: Sleep becomes a chore instead of a rejuvenating experience. The basic joys of sleeping and waking up renewed can be taken away from people as a result of this.

11. Symptoms might affect social life if orthosomnia is severe. If people are worried that their sleep scores may suffer if they sleep in an unfamiliar environment or away from home, they may avoid doing so.

12. Manifestations in the body: Orthosomnia’s stress and worry can cause physical manifestations such as aches and pains, tense muscles, or gastrointestinal problems.

What Should We Do?

Sleep has great value in our lives, and we should maintain adequate sleep for both mental and physical health because many important physiological activities take place during sleep. Not everything is known about what happens during sleep, and some of the prior findings are now being questioned. In other words, during sleep, does our brain decrease in size as it "squeezes" to release toxins that will be eliminated from the body?

Are there other things performed during sleep, like a repair mode or preparation for the day mode? There are still many exquisite questions, but one thing we know for sure is that we need adequate sleep every night. Disrupting our sleep because a bit of technology appears to have the "answer" would seem foolish at this point. We do not have the science to back its value, and running to catch perfect sleep may be like trying to sweep the ocean back with a broom.

What steps must you take to get the best quality sleep possible? Go to the current sleep experts where they have the steps to be taken and which you should carefully follow each evening. You're sleep quality will, most probably, improve, and if you use some simple mindlessness as you drift off to sleep, the next day will be better for you.

Of course, there is never a 100% guarantee of assurance here, but the belief is that this is the way to better sleep and a better quality of life. Give it a try. What do you have to lose in trying? What do you have to gain? I believe you will be in the gain area.