t starts with a wrist buzz in the morning.
A number flashes on a screen.
And suddenly, sleep — something once felt, not measured — becomes data.
From smartwatches to sleep apps, Americans are paying closer attention to their sleep than ever before. A recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that nearly half of U.S. adults (48%) have used a sleep tracking device, a sharp rise from 35% in 2023. Even more striking, 55% of adults say they’ve changed their habits based on what their tracker tells them.
This growing interest reflects something important: sleep is finally getting the attention it deserves.
“We’re seeing a significant shift in how Americans approach sleep health,” said Dr. Shalini Paruthi, AASM spokesperson and member of the Emerging Technology Committee. “Sleep trackers help people recognize that sleep is just as essential to health as nutrition and exercise.”
At Riley Children’s Sleep Lab, we see this same curiosity reflected in families who want to understand their child’s sleep — and their own.
Who’s Using Sleep Trackers — and Why It Matters
The AASM survey revealed several notable trends:
- Men are more likely than women to use sleep trackers (56% vs. 40%).
- Men are also more likely to change their behavior based on sleep data.
- One in five men reported spending between $200 and $500 on consumer sleep products, excluding mattresses, compared to only 12% of women.
This significant investment highlights the high value that people place on sleep. But more technology doesn’t always translate into better rest — especially when data becomes the focus instead of how someone actually feels.
When “Sleepmaxxing” Goes Too Far
The current sleep craze has even earned a nickname: sleepmaxxing.” Users on social media share various strategies, routines, and products to enhance their sleep quality. Although the intention is positive, it can lead to unintended consequences.
As more people gain access to nightly sleep scores and health metrics, even those who are sleeping well may become anxious about improving their numbers. According to the same AASM survey, 76% of adults reported losing sleep because they were concerned about their sleep problems.
This cycle of stress — sometimes referred to as sleep anxiety or orthosomnia — can make falling asleep and staying asleep even harder. While prioritizing sleep is healthy, striving for perfection is not.
For parents, this matters even more. Children often absorb emotional cues from adults, and anxiety around sleep can quietly spill into bedtime routines, shaping how a child feels about sleep itself. “Sleep trackers should support healthy sleep — not create more stress,” Dr. Paruthi explains. “If you find yourself lying awake worrying about sleep data, it may be time to talk with a health care professional.”
What Really Supports Healthy Sleep — for Kids and Adults
Whether families use sleep trackers or not, the foundation of good sleep hygiene remains the same — especially for growing children:
- Consistent bedtimes and wake times
- Enough total sleep for a child’s age
- A calm, predictable bedtime routine
- A sleep-friendly environment
For families who do use sleep tracking devices, the AASM recommends a thoughtful, balanced approach:
- Keep a sleep diary to capture habits and routines.
- Pair diary notes with tracker data (such as from a Fitbit or Apple Watch) to look for patterns over time.
- Concentrate on important metrics such as total sleep time and consistency, rather than focusing on nightly scores.
- Make small, gradual changes and observe what helps.
- Review sleep data only in the morning, avoiding nighttime fixation.
When It’s Time to Seek Expert Help
If sleep issues—whether yours or your child’s—start to impact mood, learning, daily responsibilities, or overall health, seeking professional help can make a significant difference. Pediatric sleep specialists can identify sleep disorders, alleviate sleep anxiety, and create tailored plans for healthy, restorative sleep.
At Riley Children’s Pediatric Sleep Lab, our goal is simple:
to help children and families sleep better — with confidence, not pressure. If you have concerns about your child’s sleep, we’re here to help.
Life Is Like That! 