Wearable Sleep Trackers Grow in Popularity and Accuracy

Consumer sleep-tracking devices have expanded from basic step counters to rings, watches and smart beds. 21 billion by 2030.

In 2009, Fitbit introduced the first widely available consumer sleep tracker as part of its fitness device. The same year, Zeo released a headband that used EEG sensors to measure brainwaves and sleep stages. Zeo later exited the market. Wristband models from Fitbit, Garmin and Jawbone Up followed, treating sleep data as a secondary feature.

In 2015, the Oura Ring entered the market with sensors for heart rate, heart-rate variability, temperature and movement.

Sleep tracking later appeared in smartwatches such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. After 2020, companies introduced sleep-tracking mats and smart beds. In 2026, new headbands from Elemind, Muse, Somnee and Fitbit use artificial intelligence to analyze brain activity.

Dr. Carleara Weiss, sleep scientist and advisor for Aeroflow Sleep, stated that recent advances have made consumer devices more accurate and comparable to research-grade equipment. Weiss added that no consumer device is perfect and none replace medical evaluation.

The article notes that rapid growth has outpaced regulatory development, raising data-privacy questions. Studies have indicated benefits for users who track sleep patterns.