What is actigraphy data?
What is actigraphy data?
Actigraphy is a validated method of objectively measuring sleep parameters and average motor activity over a period of days to weeks using a noninvasive accelerometer [1-6].
Why are actigraphy important?
Actigraphy may be useful for monitoring treatment of insufficient sleep syndrome and treatment of sleep disorders in children, though more research is needed. It appears that many people adhere better to the sleep routine prescribed by their doctor if they know that an actigraphy watch is monitoring their actions.
How does an actigraphy work?
An actigraph monitors movement and can be used to assess sleep-wake cycles, or circadian rhythms, over an extended period of time. It uses something called an accelerometer to record motion. These are often integrated into smartphones and can also be separate devices. This information is then used to create a graph.
What types of assessments are done with actigraphy?
Actigraphy is another laboratory test for assessing sleep disorders. It uses an actigraph (also known as anactometer) worn on the nondominant wrist or ankle to record acceleration or deceleration of body movements (Fig. 101.70,A), which indirectly indicates sleep or wakefulness.
What type of assessments are done with actigraphy?
An actigraph is worn like a watch on the wrist of your non-dominant hand and measures activity through light and movement. Actigraphy data can be very helpful for assessing circadian rhythm disorders such as advanced or delayed sleep phase disorder and insomnia.
What does actigraphy not measure?
Indeed, actigraphy may be efficient in measuring sleep parameters and sleep quality, however it is not provided with measures for brain activity (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG) or heart rhythm (ECG). Actigraphy is useful for assessing daytime sleepiness in place of a laboratory sleep latency test.
How is actigraphy measured?
A small actigraph unit, also called an actimetry sensor, is worn for a week or more to measure gross motor activity. The unit is usually in a wristwatch-like package worn on the wrist. The movements the actigraph unit undergoes are continually recorded and some units also measure light exposure.