What to do with the sleep data?

[Almondine]

I am seeing sleep disturbances at certain times of the night. I know I am always tired throughout the day so I this is super helpful knowing just how much I am awake or restless at night. As best as I can tell this data is pretty accurate. It sure beats the heck out of trying to remember and having no log at all right? Anyway, I was thinking about what I can do with this data? What are your findings?

[maddy]

I found that I am tired all the time and have sleep issues, but I know it is because of a certain medical condition that I have. What you can do with this data is entirely up to you, but here are a few reccommendations. 

If you remember getting up at night, write it down. That way, whenever you get up to go to the bathroom, you know you were aware when you had a wake period. Keep track of how many times you know you were awake compared to how many times you were logged as being 'restless' or awake. 

Go to a doctor. Tell him or her that you have been experiencing fatigue even though you sleep enough at night. Show them the data from your fitbit and ask them if they could reccommend you to a sleep specialist. Many sleep disorders can be ruled out or found by a sleep specialist. 

If you have no luck there, then ask your doctor what medical conditions cause disturbances in your sleep patterns. I know thyroid issues can cause something similar to sleep apnea as well as adrenal fatigue. 

Let us know how it goes!

[Mary]

I never found the sleep data that helpful but I sleep well.  I guess if you don't, you can simply aim to be in bed more to get more sleep and also make your sleep environment more conducive to getting uninterrupted sleep.  Maybe also make lifestyle changes that are often recommended to improve sleep-- avoid eating late, avoid caffeine, avoid late exercise, avoid alcohol, avoid tv in bed... Then see if your sleep data improves.  

[bob1121 · Accepted solution]

After reading the Posts- I did some research and found that hydration can be an improtant part of improving sleep patterns.  I don't hydrate enough- sooooo- now that i know my sleep patterns I will try to slowly elevate my hydration levels during the day-- so I'm not up all night going to the bathroom--then look at the data.  

[Almondine]

That Is a great point as I teach hot yoga and have been dealing with foor cramps and have dry lips. I thought it was from running in the cold but all the sweating I do points to dehydration. I'll keep working on it and see if the data changes.

[pierre]

Drinking water during the day sounds right.

In order to save steps to the Toilet how many glasses of water should one drink daily?

Your discussion point is excellent

[JoanneinCA]

I guess I find the sleep data more interesting than helpful. I did discover that taking a couple  generic Benedryl tablets before bed last night put me out for 7 plus hours. Looks like I didn't even move! 

[pierre]

Joanne,

Glad the pills are working, however a good snort of Whiskey will do the
same.

Pierre.

[JoanneinCA]

LOL, Pierre! Maybe I'll try that tonight!

[LilBudyWizer]

I'm not real sure. The only real use I see to it is helping to determine if you may be suffering from sleep apnea warranting having a formal sleep study done. I suppose you could vary the thermostat at night, cut back on caffine and drinking, lock the cat out of the bedroom at night and such to see how it impacts how soundly you sleep. Other than resolving sleep apnea I just don't know you can have much impact on it.

[paulskye]

I have heard that more sleep helps at keeping weight where it should be. I think it is intersting and glad its included on the flex.

[badminton]

The generic Benadryl can work for a while but then your body might get used to it, or you might end up with worse sleep because your body expects it. I would try other methods - meditation, exercise earlier (too late and it will keep you up --) enough water, but not a lot right before bed.