When trying to diagnose sleep disorders, sleep professionals use a range of techniques and devices to make accurate measurements and proper diagnoses. However, many sleep doctors are searching for a way to make sleep tests more convenient for patients.
This is why sleep doctors are widely using the actigraphy method.
Actigraphy uses an actigraphy device that is worn on the wrist or the ankle by the patient. This device then records light and movement and identifies sleep patterns.
Let’s take a deeper look at actigraphy and how actigraphy monitors track sleep.
What is Actigraphy?
Actigraphy is a popular method used to detect, measure, and record activity and movement during sleep. This is done using a device called an actigraphy device or an actigraph.
This medical device is gaining fast traction in the healthcare industry and is used in clinical practice to detect and manage sleep disorders.
Periods of movement mean the individual is going through wakefulness, and stillness suggests sleep. This device is very effective when it comes to managing circadian rhythm disorders and sleep issues like hypersomnia (daytime sleepiness).
All the patient has to do is wear this device on their wrist or ankle, and with the push of a button, they can mark bedtimes and wake times.
How Do Actigraphy Devices Work?
An actigraphy device can be used to monitor the circadian rhythm or the sleep-wake cycle.
The actigraphy comes with a built-in accelerometer that records movement. This information is stored in a data storage unit and is then used to create a graph.
The peak or bars on the graph represent active times, and sleep will be represented by a flat line.
How Long Should an Actigraph Be Worn?
Patients are typically required to wear the actigraphy for a few weeks (or even months), depending on the patient’s condition.
Medical actigraphy devices record data 24 hours a day for two weeks. They will detect any sleep disturbance and disruption that occurs during the sleep cycle. Here are sleep parameters that an actigraphy will measure.
- The time one falls asleep
- The time they wake up
- The time it took for them to fall asleep
- Time spent awake after falling asleep
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Our actigraphy devices and Melanopic EDI loggers are engineered to detect and diagnose sleep issues. Reach out to us today to place your orders.