Sleep tracker accuracy questioned by researchers

A systematic review published in the journal Sleep Medicine suggests that popular wrist-worn sleep trackers, such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit, may fail to accurately reflect a user's subjective sleep quality. Researchers from Duke University and the Mayo Clinic analyzed data from approximately 2,000 participants and found that these devices often fail to capture how tired or refreshed a person feels the next day, particularly for those with insomnia or mental health conditions.

The study noted that wearable devices explained only 2.5 to 16.2 percent of the difference in subjective sleep quality. This discrepancy could potentially delay clinical interventions for individuals experiencing sleep disturbances.

In response to the limitations of traditional tracking, the DUVA One system was introduced at IFA Berlin. Unlike standard trackers that provide retrospective data, DUVA One utilizes in-ear PPG and motion sensors alongside a bedside charging case that monitors environmental factors like noise, light, and temperature. The system aims to respond to sleep disruptions in real time by adjusting active noise cancellation or sleep audio based on the detected cause of the disturbance.