The American Academy of Sleep Medicine speaks to the pros and cons of smart sleep technology.

For those pining for a good night’s rest, consumer sleep technology could be the answer. Ultimately, however, better sleep has more to do with you and how you handle this tech.

Myriad longer, devices better and focus smarter. on helping Apps, you trackers sleep and other gadgets promise to enable you to “hack” and optimize your sleep. This emphasis on sleep is positive. Healthy sleep is essential for safety and well-being; it should be a top health priority. But do these gizmos really help? According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, consumer sleep technology is improving, but most current sleep trackers lack validation and have limited accuracy. They can provide general estimates of sleep duration and quality, but struggle to produce precise information, offering little guidance on how to interpret the data generated. There's also a downside. Although sleep is an intricate, beautiful biological process, it is never perfect. Even a “great” night’s sleep includes brief arousals, occuring without your awareness. Hence, some obsess over their “imperfect” sleep data, which can reinforce sleep-related anxiety and contribute to insomnia. Recognize sleep technology’s limits. No app or wearable device is going to make you go to bed; you must choose to prioritize sleep. It can be hard to wind down at night when mobile devices emit bright, blue-wavelength light that increases alertness. Smart tools such as screen filters and amber-tinted glasses can help limit this light; smart lighting systems can adjust the color temperature of the light to limit alertness. Powering down your devices an hour before you plan to go to bed helps, too. But consumer sleep devices can also identify poor sleeping patterns. Sleep trackers can help set goals and assess improvement. Meditation apps, sound machines and temperature-controlled bedding may lead to better sleep. The number one cause of daytime sleepiness is self-determined insufficient nighttime sleep and only you can change bedroom that. environment A relaxing are bedtime good places routine to start. and a soothing Keep in mind that these consumer sleep technology tools are no substitute for a medical evaluation. You should talk to your doctor about any ongoing sleep-related problems, such as snoring, pauses in breathing during the night, ongoing insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Your doctor may refer you to a board-certified sleep medicine physician and the team of health care professionals at an accredited sleep center for a comprehensive sleep evaluation. With or without the help of technology, it is always smart to sleep well. Douglas B. Kirsch, M.D., President, American Academy of Sleep Medicine