That smartwatch or sleep tracking app you use to improve your sleep may be doing the opposite. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology, constantly monitoring sleep patterns can raise anxiety, particularly among persons who already suffer from insomnia. 

Researchers at the University of Bergen have highlighted a growing concern about "orthosomnia"—a condition in which excessive concentration on achieving perfect sleep metrics leads to lower sleep quality. The phenomenon is gaining traction as millions of people turn to digital technologies to improve their health.

Håkon Lundekvam Berge led a study that surveyed 1,002 adults in Norway to assess the influence of sleep apps on users. Nearly 46% of participants said they use or have used such apps. While many users claimed benefits such as better awareness of their sleep habits, a large proportion also reported increased stress. 

Surprisingly, 48% of respondents reported learning more about their sleep habits using these apps. However, 17% reported that tracking made them more concerned about their sleep. About 15% stated their sleep improved, while 2.3% reported decreased sleep quality – a small but significant group. 

The consequences were unevenly dispersed. Younger users and women were more likely to use sleep tracking applications, but younger adults also had higher emotional reactions, both positive and negative. Individuals with sleeplessness symptoms were found to be particularly sensitive. 

"People with insomnia may be more sensitive to the feedback provided by these apps," explained co-author Karl Erik Lundekvam. "This can increase sleep-related stress and worsen their condition." 

Sleep tracking apps often claim to track how long it takes to fall asleep, total sleep time, and sleep quality. However, experts warn that these technologies are still improving, and their accuracy is being scrutinised. Overreliance on such data can lead to excessive expectations of "perfect sleep". 

The researchers also noted limitations in their findings. The data were self-reported, and individuals had prior interest in sleep research, which may have influenced their opinions. 

Experts provide practical steps to consumers who are concerned about the impact of these apps. Turning off nocturnal alerts, minimising computer time before bed, and avoiding excessive tracking can all help lower anxiety. More importantly, listening to the body's natural sleep signals is essential. 

"Going to bed only when you feel truly sleepy can be more beneficial than following app-generated schedules," study participants suggested. 

As digital health technologies become more prevalent in daily life, this study serves as a timely reminder that less tracking can sometimes contribute to better sleep.