Everywhere I go I see people glancing at their wrists. Not at a favourite watch passed down from a loved one, but at a small glowing screen that tells them how many steps they have taken, whether their heart rate has spiked, if they need to stand up, or even how they slept last night. Smart watches are the new constant companion, whispering feedback on our bodies throughout the day. But are they really as smart as we think?
On the surface, these devices can seem helpful. They offer reminders to move, encourage better sleep routines, track heart health, and even make us feel more in control of our wellbeing. For someone beginning a fitness journey, that little nudge to get outside or the sense of satisfaction when a ring is “closed” can provide motivation. There is no doubt they bring a sense of accountability.
Yet what is the hidden cost of this constant surveillance?
Many people report becoming anxious if they leave their watch at home. Sleep tracking in particular can lead to “orthosomnia,” where the worry about getting enough sleep actually causes poorer sleep. Others find themselves pushing their bodies too hard just to hit a daily step goal, ignoring what their body is actually asking for in that moment. In chasing numbers, we can lose the intuitive connection with our own rhythms.
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