A new research study claims that heart rate-measuring devices manufactured by Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT) are capable of accurately tracking REM, deep sleep, and light.
The Fitbit research study was carried out by independent technicians on products that are fitted with motion and cardiac sensors such as the Fitbit Charge 2™, Fitbit Blaze™ and Fitbit Alta HR™. The aim of the study was to determine whether the devices could accurately track light, REM and deep sleep stages. The results of the study indicated that the devices are capable of a reasonable degree of accuracy for regular adults in real conditions, and not just lab conditions.
The results of the study present good news for Fitbit
The accuracy of Fitbit’s trackers is good news not only for the company but also to researchers. This is because it means scientists will be able to compile reliable and accurate sleep data from devices worn on the wrist. This will go a long way towards simplifying sleep research as well as boosting the knowledge that is already available regarding sleep. The findings of the research study will be presented by Fitbit’s lead sleep research scientist, Dr. Conor Heneghan at the SLEEP 2017 conference that will be held this month at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.
“With our sleep tracking tools, Fitbit has transformed what people can learn about their sleep habits by taking the ability to track sleep stages out of a lab and putting it on the wrist,” stated Dr. Heneghan.
The doctor further pointed out that the ability of an individual to track his sleep allows a person to understand how he sleeps. It also provides an opportunity to look into population health and also offers new knowledge about the mysteries of sleep and how it is connected to various health conditions.
Fitbit launched new features in April 2017 to help people understand their sleeping habits. The features are currently available with the Blaze, Alta HR and Charge 2. The company has been tracking sleep since 2010 and it currently has the largest database on sleep.
Fitbit stock closed the latest trading session at $5.23.
