Do you really know? What Is Orthosomnia, this new sleep disorder?
Jan 16, 2026
Discover the alarming rise of orthosomnia, a sleep disorder linked to obsessive sleep tracking. As nearly one in three UK adults grapple with insomnia, gadgets meant to aid sleep may actually create stress and anxiety. Learn how the booming sleep-monitor industry, worth £270 million annually, fuels the pressure for perfect sleep metrics. With a push for eight hours, find out why quality of sleep varies and why daytime wellbeing is a better measure. Tune in for insights on trusting your body's needs for restorative rest!
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Tracking Can Become Harmful Obsession
- Orthosomnia is an obsession with achieving perfect sleep driven by tracking devices.
- The data focus can create stress that harms mood, memory, and attention.
Algorithms Don’t Equal Ground Truth
- Consumer devices estimate sleep stages using algorithms that can be inaccurate.
- Relying on algorithmic metrics can mislead users about true sleep quality.
Stop Chasing Tracker Numbers
- Avoid obsessing over exact sleep metrics from trackers and listen to your body instead.
- Check daytime indicators like mood, energy, and health rather than the device's numbers.