aktíógrafíu

Actigraphy is a non-invasive method used to measure and record a person's physical activity and rest patterns over extended periods. It typically involves wearing a small electronic device, often resembling a wristwatch, on the wrist or ankle. This device contains an accelerometer that detects movement. By analyzing the frequency and magnitude of these movements, the actigraph can infer periods of activity and rest, and by extension, estimate sleep-wake cycles.

The data collected by actigraphy is often used in clinical and research settings to assess sleep disorders, circadian rhythm disturbances, and the impact of various conditions or interventions on activity levels. It provides objective, continuous data, unlike subjective self-reports or the more labor-intensive polysomnography. While actigraphy can estimate sleep onset, wake after sleep onset, and total sleep time, it cannot definitively confirm sleep stages or detect events like apneas, which require polysomnography for diagnosis. The interpretation of actigraphy data relies on algorithms that distinguish between movement indicating wakefulness and the absence of significant movement indicating sleep. Environmental factors and individual differences in movement patterns can influence the accuracy of these estimations.