Your Sleep Habits Might Be Harming Your Health—Study Reveals How

How well are you sleeping? A new study by the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences (INFS), supported by Fittr, reveals some eye-opening trends about sleep health. The study tracked 1,340 wearable device users and uncovered widespread sleep deprivation, gender-based differences in sleep patterns, and how wearable technology is changing the way we understand rest.

Most People Aren’t Sleeping Enough

The study found that 87 per cent of participants were getting less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. Even more concerning, nearly 18 per cent were sleeping less than 6 hours—a level of rest that can have serious health consequences. Sleep deprivation was most common in people over 50 years old, and their lack of rest was linked to higher risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders.

Men vs. Women: Who Sleeps More?On average, women slept slightly longer than men—7.01 hours compared to 6.68 hours. However, despite getting more rest, women had a higher resting heart rate (RHR) and lower heart rate variability (HRV), both indicators of higher stress levels. Studies suggest that hormonal differences and daily stressors may play a role in these variations.

Why Poor Sleep Affects Your HealthGetting enough quality sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed—it plays a huge role in overall health. Studies have linked chronic sleep deprivation to:

- Weaker immune function

- Increased risk of heart disease

- Higher stress levels and anxiety

- Cognitive decline and memory issues

- Slower muscle recovery and reduced physical performance

The study found that shorter sleep durations were strongly linked to higher stress levels, creating a cycle where stress leads to poor sleep, and poor sleep increases stress.

Wearable Technology: A Game Changer for Sleep Tracking

One of the biggest takeaways from this study is how wearable devices—like the HART ring—help people track their sleep and make better health decisions. These devices provide real-time insights into:

- Total sleep duration

- Sleep quality

- Heart rate and stress levels

- Recovery and energy levels

By monitoring these key metrics, wearable tech helps users recognize bad sleep habits and make changes to improve their health.

The Importance of Prioritizing Sleep

This study shows that sleep is just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to overall health. If you’re constantly feeling tired, struggling to focus, or noticing changes in your energy levels, your sleep might be to blame.

With the help of wearable technology, people can take control of their sleep habits and work toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. So, next time you think about staying up late, remember—a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind.

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