Actigraphy

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Actigraphy

Actigraphy (/ækˈtɪɡrəfi/, from the Greek aktos meaning "ray" and graphein meaning "to write") is a non-invasive method of monitoring human rest/activity cycles.

Overview

An Actigraph unit is an activity monitor that records movement. It is typically worn on the wrist, similar to a watch. The device contains an accelerometer to measure movement. The data can be later read and analyzed by a computer.

Use in Medicine

In medicine, actigraphy is used in sleep studies to estimate periods of sleep and wakefulness. It is often used in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, and Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders.

Methodology

The actigraph unit measures movement and light exposure. When the unit senses movement, it logs the movement as activity. When there is no movement, it logs the period as rest. The data is then analyzed to determine periods of sleep and wakefulness.

Limitations

While actigraphy is a useful tool in sleep studies, it has its limitations. It cannot measure sleep stages, and it may not accurately reflect sleep in individuals who lie still while awake or move during sleep.

See Also

External links

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