There isanentire branch of medical science called polysomnography that helps diagnose sleep disorders , and it ’ s hard tosay whether afree app can rival aspecialist ’ sadvice . Still , many people believe that the right technology can positively affect sleep patterns , especially when used in a thoughtful and methodical way . The following suggestions could hold the answer to abetter night ’ s sleep .

Sleep apps

Sleep apps are handy because you can download them onto your smartphone . They use your phone ’ s “ accelerometer ” to figure out what your body is doing . You place the phone near your body in bed . The phone will detect when you toss and turn , and it will make an educated guess about what sleep stage you ’ re in .

Perhaps the most helpful feature is the ALARM CLOCK . Just set a window of time when you want to wake up , and the app will determine when you ’ ve entered your “ lightest ” sleep . The alarm tones are gentle and soothing , and draw you effortlessly from

your dreams . Other popular options include the SLEEP CYCLE ALARM

CLOCK , because of its sensitive movement detection , its range of low-key alarms , and its easy-to-read sleep reports , and the SLEEP TIME APP , which uses a similar cycle-based alarm .

Fitness watches

There are lots of advantages to fitness watches : A wristwatch feels very natural on your body , so you don ’ t have to share abed with your phone .

The market is saturated in fitness watches , but Fitbit is still the best-known name , thanks to its early development and sleek designs . Like a phone app or high-quality sleep monitor , FITBIT detects your movements while you sleep and figures out your “ sleep stages .” When you ’ ve gathered enough data , Fitbit provides “ insights ,” comparing your sleep patterns to those of others of the same age and gender .

Sleep trackers

Sleep trackers are everywhere , and they come in arange of designs .

Each device uses “ actigraphy ” to document your physical movements during the night . For example , the BEDDIT SLEEP MONITOR is along white strap that you can fasten to your bedsheets .

Smart beds

The leading brand is SLEEP

NUMBER , whose mattresses are famous for changing their firmness . One of the most significant advancements is the elevating mattress , which can be a lifesaver for people with severe snoring and sleep apnea . When the bed detects snoring , it rises automatically at the top , shifting the sleeper ’ s head .

THE SLEEP TRACKER BY EIGHT SLEEP is acover that you pull over your mattress . The cover has a warming feature , which can be set on a timer . The sleep tracker also has a smart alarm system , and you can use the Eight Sleep app to compare sleep patterns and recent exercise . ■

WOMAN : THINKSTOCK ; PHONE : COURTESY OF FITBIT ; MATRESS COVER : COURTESY OF EIGHT SLEEP

18 BACK TOSCHOOL 2018 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE