The World Sleep Society (WSS), a global network of sleep experts, has designated the Friday before the Spring Equinox each year (March 14, 2025) as World Sleep Day, aiming to highlight the importance of sleep for health and the consequences of insomnia. The 2025 theme is: “Make Sleep Health a Priority.”

Dr. Charalambos Mermingis, Director of the Sleep Lab at Henry Dunant Hospital, discusses the advantages and drawbacks of artificial intelligence (AI) in sleep-tracking devices.

AI-Powered Sleep Monitoring: Benefits and Limitations

Modern AI-driven sleep monitoring devices have become increasingly popular. These include wearable devices like smartwatches and rings, as well as sleep-tracking mattresses and smartphone apps that analyze sleep patterns based on heart rate, breathing, and body movement variations during non-REM (NREM) and REM sleep.

However, AI in sleep science is still in its early stages. While some devices have been approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) for their reliability, many others are marketed online with exaggerated claims, lacking scientific validation. Despite these concerns, such devices can help raise awareness about sleep disorders and promote better sleep habits.

More advanced AI-powered devices can track heart rate (including ECG recordings), blood pressure, snoring intensity, and nighttime oxygen levels. This technology is particularly useful in detecting sleep apnea, a disorder affecting nearly one billion people worldwide, which significantly impacts heart, brain, and metabolic health. However, a formal diagnosis of sleep disorders should only be made in a sleep laboratory through a sleep study—a well-established, safe, and reliable examination.

Smart Devices in Insomnia Management

Insomnia affects a large portion of the population, with acute insomnia impacting 35-40% of people and chronic insomnia affecting 10%. AI-driven sleep devices can assist in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. However, they should not lead to obsession or anxiety over daily sleep data. Patients can complement traditional sleep diaries with smartwatch data, providing sleep specialists with a more comprehensive understanding of their sleep patterns.

These devices can also support cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-based treatments for insomnia. Particularly in young individuals, sleep trackers may encourage adherence to sleep hygiene recommendations.

AI and Obesity-Related Sleep Issues

Obesity is a major factor affecting sleep, often leading to sleep apnea. AI-powered devices can promote physical activity and healthier lifestyle choices, offering reminders and motivational feedback to encourage weight management.

The Future of AI in Sleep Research

Beyond personal use, AI could revolutionize sleep laboratories by streamlining data analysis for sleep studies. However, human expertise remains essential in training AI algorithms using real-world sleep data.

Additionally, sleep research has historically overlooked women, despite their higher prevalence of insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders. AI-powered sleep tracking could help bridge this gap, enabling earlier detection and treatment of sleep disorders in women.

Sleep, AI, and Dementia Prevention

The global rise in dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, is linked to the brain’s accumulation of amyloid proteins. Research suggests that the brain’s glymphatic system clears these waste proteins primarily during NREM sleep. Portable AI devices could raise awareness about poor sleep quality, potentially helping prevent or delay neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion: AI as a Sleep Ally

When used correctly, AI can be a valuable tool in identifying and managing sleep disorders. However, final diagnoses and treatment decisions should always be made by a qualified sleep specialist within a structured sleep laboratory setting. AI is a promising ally in sleep medicine—but human expertise remains irreplaceable.