How a sleep tracker may be messing up your sleep — and how to fix it

There are other reliable physical signs that indicate problems, including sleep apnea:

1. Daytime sleepiness

Feeling tired and run down during the day is the biggest sign that people aren’t getting enough sleep.

2. Excessive nighttime drooling

Too much saliva on the pillow isn’t just gross; it also indicates a person is struggling to breathe.

3. Morning headaches

Sometimes people clench their jaws throughout the night to keep their airways open to breathe better. Headaches can be a sign of obstructed airways.

“If you feel tired and fatigued … that should be an indicator that you need to check out your health,” Simmons said.

Smarter ways to use a sleep tracker

Smartwatches, fitness trackers and smartphone apps collect great data on many different types of behaviors — they give insight into a daily routine and whether lifestyle changes are needed to improve the ability to sleep.

Record sleep and wake times. Sleep research suggests going to bed and waking up at about the same time every day to regulate your internal body clock. A tracker is a perfect way to see how bedtimes vary.

Track eating and drinking habits. Trackers also provide info on eating, drinking and exercising habits that wreck sleep quality.

While many people know to skip caffeinated and alcoholic beverages before bed, they might not realize how close to bedtime they're enjoying them. A tracker can reveal this.

Exercise for sleep. Trackers are all about managing a fitness schedule. There's evidence that exercise produces a positive effect on sleep. However, it depends on when you exercise. Exercising within three or four hours of bedtime may keep you awake.

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