Health

The rise of the sleep data nerds: ‘The harder you try, the harder it is to sleep’

he first thing Annie and her partner do when they wake up in the morning is ask each other how well they slept. “And I literally say, ‘I’m not sure yet, let me check,’” – and Annie, a chief people and safety officer, reaches for her smartwatch.

Annie started monitoring because she worried she wasn’t getting enough good-quality sleep. Now she’s a self-confessed sleep data “nerd”, mining her sleep data for insights into her general health and wellbeing, using it to inform lifestyle decisions and even occasionally to guide how much she aims to accomplish in a day.

Sleep monitoring is a boom industry, mirroring what devices and apps such as Fitbits and Strava have done for physical activity. Market reports vary on the value of this industry, but it is clearly lucrative and growing rapidly. A quick search reveals a wide range of devices – rings, headbands, watches and other wrist-worn devices, under-mattress devices and bedside devices – all suggesting their use will unlock such quality sleep as to make Rip Van Winkle jealous.

An estimated 40% of Australians are not getting enough good quality sleep, and one in 10 experience chronic insomnia. “We do know there are a lot of people who do worry about their sleep and whether they’re getting enough sleep, particularly if they’re not meeting some of the recommended sleep duration guidelines,” says Dr Hannah Scott, a senior research fellow in sleep psychology at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute in Adelaide, and co-inventor of a wearable device that tracks and treats chronic insomnia

Scott sees the rise in the use of sleep trackers as generally good news. “They’ve certainly improved awareness around the importance of sleep and around healthy sleep patterns so overall, I’d say they’ve probably had a positive effect.” But there’s a downside. “If you try harder to exercise, you’ll become fitter, but we have the opposite problem with sleep actually; that the harder you try, the harder it is to actually obtain sleep,” Scott says. “We can be creating some problems over people becoming too obsessive about trying to optimise it.” There’s even a term for it: orthosomnia, which describes an unhealthy preoccupation with sleep-tracking data.

The most accurate picture of sleep health is derived from what’s called polysomnography, which requires a person to spend the night in a sleep laboratory with their head and body covered with electrodes that monitor and measure brain wave activity, eye movement, breathing, heart rate, muscle movement and blood oxygen levels. That provides a wealth of information such as time spent in different stages of sleep, how many times someone wakes up and how long it takes them to fall asleep, says Prof Christopher Gordon, professor of sleep health at Macquarie University in Sydney.

“Wearables – and that’s lumping a lot of different devices in one word – but generally they’re not that accurate at being able to tell how long you took to fall asleep and how long you’re awake and asleep overnight, and that’s because it’s not measuring brainwave activity,” he says. That brainwave activity is used to determine time spent in different stages of sleep: stage one, two and three of non-REM sleep and REM sleep

What wearables can detect and measure – in varying combinations and with varying degrees of accuracy – is heart rate, temperature, movement and blood oxygen levels, which are then fed into algorithms that determine whether the picture painted by that data is of someone sleeping soundly or restlessly awake. “It could be a device that’s specifically measuring movement only, and it’s looking at algorithms that say if your arms are moving a lot you’re awake, if it’s not moving a lot it’s sleep,” Gordon says. But “that has very little agreement with what happens in your brain in terms of the qualitative aspect of sleep”.

The other challenge is that there isn’t a clear understanding of exactly what good sleep looks like, says Associate Prof Jen Walsh, director of the Centre for Sleep Science at the University of Western Australia in Perth. “It’s an area that’s debated within our profession,” she says. There’s sleep quantity – simply the amount of time spent asleep – and sleep quality, which is more complex and takes into account time spent in different stages of sleep, whether sleep is broken, how often and for how long. “Sleep quantity is quite easy to define and calculate, whereas sleep quality is somewhat harder,” she says. Current guidelines suggest adults should aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep a night but there isn’t such clear advice on what type of sleep – how much of each stage – is optimum.

Sleep quality is also highly subjective and sometimes doesn’t match what even the most accurate lab-based monitoring says, according to Dr Maya Schenker, a postdoctoral researcher on trauma and sleep at the University of Melbourne. “If we feel like we slept very badly, it doesn’t matter what the watch is telling me,” she says. Even in people with chronic insomnia, sleep often looks a lot better on the polysomnography than what they subjectively report.

Rachel says her sleep-monitoring ring has helped her to understand some of the factors that help her get a better night’s sleep. “If I do pilates in the evening, I seem to mostly sleep better,” the Canberra-based public servant says. And Annie has noticed that if she has a glass of wine at any time in the evening, her heart rate during sleep is about 10% higher.

This is where most experts see the usefulness of sleep trackers in a consumer setting: helping people understand how their lifestyle habits and behaviour affect their sleep, and making changes to improve it.

“A lot of people are interested in changing their sleep habits, but it’s hard to find a place to start,” says Dr Vanessa Hill, a sleep scientist at the Appleton Institute at CQ University in Adelaide, who also consults for Samsung Health. Data alone isn’t generally enough to change behaviour, but “if your watch can send you a notification where it’s like, ‘hey, yesterday, you went on a walk at this time and it improved your sleep’, or ‘yesterday you stopped drinking caffeine around this time’ or whatever, and that helps you fall asleep faster”, that can motivate people to change, she says, “I think that’s the best potential that these kinds of trackers can have.”

Stop counting sheep – and 13 more no-nonsense tips for getting back to sleep

Hill uses a smartwatch and a ring to monitor her sleep, and says she does check her sleep scores – particularly her heart rate during sleep, which she says may predict oncoming illness – as soon as she wakes up. “I look at what they’ve been overnight, because if I am getting sick or getting a cold or something like that, my heart rate variability will actually tell me before I feel any symptoms myself,” she says. “If, for whatever reason, I have really bad heart rate variability one night, I’m just like, I need to take it easy today, something’s up with my body.”

Many experts stress that consumer sleep trackers are not diagnostic tools and have some important limits. “If you train an algorithm on a set population that is healthy, you’re not going to necessarily pick up the same signal out of a population with, say, peripheral vascular disease with reduced blood flow into the fingers,” says Dr Donald Lee, a respiratory at sleep physician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. Sleep habits also change over the lifespan, which may not be reflected by the algorithms used.

However sleep trackers do provide an opportunity to encourage healthier sleep habits, Lee says. “If we can engage people to … go to bed with a purpose, to turn out the light and go to sleep and improve their sleep habits by engaging in the conversation, it’s a good thing for the health trackers to be doing.”

Health

Beyond Uniforms and Lunchboxes: Is Your Child Healthy and Ready for School?

By Dr. Mamata Bothra, Specialist Pediatrician and Neonatologist, International Modern Hospital, Dubai

With schools reopening on August 25, parents across the UAE are busy preparing uniforms, books, shoes and lunchboxes. But before the school bag is packed, it is worth asking one more important question: Is my child healthy and ready for the new academic year?

As a pediatrician and neonatologist, I encourage parents to use the remaining days before school as an opportunity for a simple health review. This does not mean carrying out a long list of unnecessary medical tests. Instead, it is about identifying any health concerns that could affect a child’s learning, energy, development or overall well-being.

Start with vaccinations and medical needs

Begin by checking your child’s vaccination record. Make sure all routine vaccinations are up to date and that no recommended doses have been missed. Parents should also speak with their child’s doctor about the seasonal influenza vaccine.

If your child has a chronic medical condition or requires regular medication, ensure prescriptions are current and that the school has the necessary medical information, medicines and emergency action plan.

A routine pediatric check-up can also be valuable, particularly if your child has not been assessed recently. During the appointment, the pediatrician can evaluate growth, height, weight, blood pressure, physical development, nutrition and general health.

It is also an opportunity to discuss concerns that may have been postponed during the holidays, including recurrent headaches or abdominal pain, constipation, frequent infections, breathing difficulties, snoring, fatigue, poor appetite or unexplained changes in behaviour and school performance.

Preventive pediatric visits should not focus solely on vaccinations. They also provide an opportunity to discuss a child’s learning, behaviour, development, emotional health and any age-appropriate screening needs.

Does your child need tests for iron or vitamin deficiencies?

Iron deficiency deserves particular attention because it can affect a child’s energy, concentration and neurodevelopment. However, this does not mean that every healthy school-aged child needs to undergo a large “vitamin panel” before returning to school.

The decision to perform blood tests should be based on the child’s age, diet, growth, symptoms and individual risk factors.

Children who follow restrictive, vegetarian or vegan diets, have poor nutrition, consume excessive amounts of milk, have a chronic illness or are not growing as expected may require further assessment. Persistent tiredness, pale skin, weakness and difficulty concentrating can also indicate the need for medical evaluation.

When testing for possible iron deficiency is clinically indicated, particularly in adolescents, a complete blood count and serum ferritin test may be useful.

Similarly, testing for vitamin D, vitamin B12 or other nutritional deficiencies should be guided by the child’s medical history, diet, symptoms and clinical examination—not performed routinely for every child.

Do not overlook vision and hearing

A child who cannot see the board or hear the teacher clearly may appear inattentive when the real problem is sensory.

Possible signs of a vision problem include squinting, sitting very close to screens, rubbing the eyes, experiencing frequent headaches, holding books unusually close, struggling to read, turning the head to one side or showing an unexplained decline in school performance.

For hearing, parents should watch for frequent use of the word “What?”, increasing the television volume, difficulty following instructions, failing to respond when called or a history of recurrent ear infections.

Not every concentration problem is an attention disorder. Before labelling a child as inattentive, we should first make sure the child can see clearly, hear properly and sleep well.

Dental health affects learning too

A dental check-up is worthwhile if your child has not visited a dentist recently, particularly if there is toothache, sensitivity, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or visible tooth decay.

Dental pain can interfere with eating, sleeping, concentration and school attendance.

Parents should also remember that a school lunchbox does not need to become a travelling sweet shop. Encourage children to brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste and limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.

Reset the body clock before school begins

If your child’s bedtime has gradually moved towards midnight during the holidays, do not expect them to fall asleep at 9pm on the night before school.

Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up time gradually before classes begin. School-aged children generally require nine to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers usually need eight to 10 hours.

Insufficient sleep does not always appear simply as tiredness. In some children, it may cause irritability, hyperactivity, poor concentration, mood changes or behavioural difficulties.

Prioritise balanced food and hydration

A nutritious breakfast and balanced diet can help children begin the school day with energy and concentration. Aim to include a variety of protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables while reducing highly processed food and sugary drinks.

Hydration is especially important in the UAE’s climate. Send your child to school with a water bottle and encourage regular drinking throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel very thirsty. Water should remain the main drink.

A practical back-to-school health checklist

Before August 25, parents should consider the following questions:

Vaccinations: Are all routine vaccinations up to date?
Growth: Is my child’s height and weight progressing appropriately?
Iron and nutrition: Is there a dietary risk or unexplained fatigue that requires assessment?
Vision: Can my child see the board and read comfortably?
Hearing: Can my child hear clearly and follow instructions?
Dental health: Is there any pain, sensitivity or untreated dental problem?
Sleep: Has my child’s routine returned to school timings?
Food and water: Is my child eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water?
Chronic conditions: Are medicines, prescriptions and school action plans updated?
Development and behaviour: Have there been changes in learning, concentration, mood or behaviour that require attention?

Parents do not need to panic or turn the back-to-school season into a medical examination marathon. The objective is not to find a problem in every child. It is to ensure that an existing concern does not go unnoticed.

A new uniform may prepare a child for the classroom, but adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, clear vision, good hearing, healthy teeth and timely medical care prepare that child to learn.

This year, before asking, “Have you packed your school bag?”, perhaps ask one more question:

“Are you healthy, rested and ready for the year ahead?”

Health

Back to the Heat: Why Returning to the UAE Can Leave Holidaymakers Feeling Exhausted

Returning to the UAE after spending several weeks in a cooler destination can leave some travellers feeling unusually tired, sluggish or generally out of sorts. According to a family medicine specialist, this is often part of the body’s natural process of readjusting to extreme heat and humidity.

Dr. Renuka Ramasamy, Specialist in Family Medicine at International Modern Hospital Dubai, explains that spending time away from a hot environment can temporarily reduce some of the body’s heat adaptations.

“When someone spends a couple of weeks in a much cooler climate, some of the body’s adaptation to extreme heat can begin to diminish,” she says. “Heat acclimatisation influences how efficiently we sweat, regulate our core temperature and manage the cardiovascular strain caused by hot weather.”

These adaptations can start declining within days or weeks when a person is no longer regularly exposed to high temperatures. When they return suddenly to the UAE’s summer conditions, their body must work harder to maintain a safe and stable core temperature.

More blood is directed towards the skin to release heat, sweating increases and the cardiovascular system must compensate for the additional strain. As a result, some people may initially feel unusually tired, physically heavy, less energetic or generally unwell.

“It is essentially a period of re-acclimatisation,” Dr. Ramasamy explains. “Fortunately, someone who was previously accustomed to the UAE climate will generally readjust more quickly than a person experiencing this level of heat for the first time.”

Heat, dehydration and disrupted routines

The sudden change in temperature is rarely the only reason people feel unwell after returning from holiday. Heat, humidity, dehydration, poor sleep and changes to daily routines can combine to make the transition more difficult.

In hot and humid conditions, sweating and fluid loss increase. At the same time, high humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate from the skin, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself efficiently.

Even relatively mild dehydration can contribute to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.

“Travel may also disrupt sleep, meal times, exercise habits and normal daily routines,” Dr. Ramasamy says. “People can arrive home already tired or inadequately hydrated and then immediately expose their bodies to considerable heat stress.”

Certain groups are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. These include older adults, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people undertaking strenuous outdoor exercise. Individuals with chronic medical conditions and those taking medications that affect hydration, sweating or temperature regulation should also be particularly cautious.

Give the body time to readjust

During the first few days back in the UAE, people should allow their bodies to gradually readjust instead of immediately returning to a demanding routine.

Drinking water regularly throughout the day is important, rather than waiting until intense thirst develops. People who are sweating heavily may also need to replace electrolytes. However, those with heart or kidney conditions, or who have been advised to restrict their fluid intake, should follow their doctor’s individual recommendations.

Restoring a regular sleep and meal schedule as soon as possible can also support recovery. Fruits, vegetables and other water-rich foods may help maintain hydration, while excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided because it can worsen dehydration.

Exercise should initially be lighter, particularly when performed outdoors. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day, and both the intensity of exercise and the amount of time spent outdoors should be increased gradually as heat tolerance returns.

“The body needs time to readjust,” Dr. Ramasamy says. “People who are not fully acclimatised should reduce the intensity and duration of outdoor exercise during their first week back in a hot environment.”

When symptoms require medical attention

Although mild tiredness and reduced energy may be part of normal re-acclimatisation, people should not automatically dismiss more serious symptoms as a consequence of returning from holiday.

Significant dizziness, fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, severe weakness or other concerning symptoms may indicate heat-related illness and require prompt medical assessment.

“It is important to distinguish normal readjustment from possible heat illness,” Dr. Ramasamy warns. “Severe or persistent symptoms should not simply be attributed to coming back from holiday.”

For most healthy people, careful hydration, adequate sleep, lighter exercise and gradual exposure to outdoor heat can make the transition back to the UAE climate safer and more comfortable.

Dr. Renuka Ramasamy
Specialist in Family Medicine
International Modern Hospital Dubai

Health

NMC Speciality Hospital, Al Nahda successfully treats Rare case of Guillain – Barré Syndrome in an 11 – Month old Infant

Dubai, UAE – A multidisciplinary medical team at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda has successfully treated an 11-month-old infant diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), specifically acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), variant, enabling the infant to make a complete recovery.

The infant, who was previously healthy, was brought to NMC Specialty Hospital after developing severe irritability and an inability to bear weight following a recent viral illness. Recognising that these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying neurological condition, specialists initiated a comprehensive assessment, leading to the diagnosis of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), a rare variant of Guillain–Barré syndrome.

Guillain–Barré syndrome is an autoimmune neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. While it can affect individuals of all ages, it is rarely reported in infants younger than one year often making diagnosis particularly challenging.

The case was led by Dr. Krupa Torne, Paediatric Neurologist, and involved close collaboration among experts from Paediatrics, Neuroradiology, Neurophysiology, Physiotherapy and Nursing. The coordinated efforts of the multidisciplinary team enabled a prompt diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, which is considered one of the most effective interventions for Guillain–Barré syndrome when administered early.

“The rarity of Guillain–Barré syndrome in infants can make diagnosis difficult, as symptoms may initially be mistaken for more common childhood illnesses,” said Dr. Krupa Torne. “In this case, the early recognition of neurological symptoms, combined with rapid multidisciplinary assessment and treatment, played a crucial role in achieving an excellent outcome. It highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for neurological conditions even in very young children.”

Following treatment, the infant was closely monitored and underwent physiotherapy to support recovery and mobility. Over the following weeks, the infant demonstrated steady neurological improvement, regaining strength and motor function.

At the eight-week follow-up appointment, the infant was able to walk independently and showed a completely normal neurological examination, marking a full recovery.

The successful outcome underscores the importance of access to specialist paediatric neurological expertise and integrated multidisciplinary care in managing complex and rare childhood conditions.

“This case reflects the strength of collaborative care and the advanced capabilities available at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda,” said Dr. Torne. “When specialists across disciplines work together seamlessly, we can deliver timely, evidence-based treatment that significantly improves outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.”

The infant’s parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical team, acknowledging the compassionate care, clinical expertise and unwavering support that helped their infant make a full recovery.

NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda continues to provide comprehensive paediatric care supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialised clinical expertise, helping patients with both common and complex conditions achieve the best possible outcomes.