Actimetry

Wearable actimeter recording movement to estimate sleep-wake timing and circadian rhythm patterns.

Actimétrie

Overview

Paraclinical examination of sleep and sleep-wake rhythms that involves recording body movements using an actimeter, a watch-like device or wristband.

Actimetry is worn for several days to weeks, providing an objective estimate of sleep timing, variability, and circadian phase — especially useful for insomnia, shift work, and rhythm disorders when diary data alone is insufficient.

Clinical uses

  • Circadian rhythm and insomnia assessment.
  • Monitoring advance/delay of sleep phase.
  • Evaluating sleep regularity and quality (fragmentation) before and after treatment.
  • Research-grade protocols when extended sampling is needed.

How it works

You wear the device continuously, including during showers depending on model. Data are downloaded at the clinic and interpreted alongside your sleep diary and clinical history.