How do smartwatches and fitness trackers reveal our mental state?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Liu Huaqing, Chief Physician, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital

Smart watches and fitness trackers have shown great potential in monitoring psychological states. These devices are equipped with a variety of sensors that can continuously monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, sleep patterns, activity levels, and skin electrodermal activity, and provide valuable information about the user's psychological state through data analysis.

For example, heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic nervous system activity, which is closely related to psychological stress and anxiety levels. Smart watches monitor HRV in real time through built-in heart rate sensors, which can reflect the user's stress level and mood swings. When users are under high stress, HRV usually decreases, and smart watches can capture this change and remind users to pay attention to their mental health.

In addition, good sleep is also an important guarantee for mental health. Smart watches can reveal the impact of stress on sleep by monitoring the user's sleep cycle [including light sleep, deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) stages] and sleep quality (such as sleep duration, deep sleep duration, sleep efficiency, etc.). Long-term poor sleep quality may be a manifestation of excessive psychological stress, and data analysis by smart watches can help users identify potential problems and take appropriate measures to improve sleep, thereby promoting mental health.

However, it is important to note that the information provided by these devices is for reference only and is not a substitute for professional psychological diagnosis and treatment.