What is the function of an actigraph?

An actigraph is a device primarily used to monitor and record body movements, particularly during sleep. It typically resembles a wristwatch and contains accelerometers that detect motion. By capturing these movements, an actigraph provides valuable data that can help assess sleep patterns, sleep quality, and the overall activity levels of a person during both waking hours and sleep. This functionality is crucial in sleep studies, where researchers aim to understand sleep disorders or the effectiveness of various interventions.

Using an actigraph can give insights into periods of wakefulness during the night, the total amount of sleep obtained, and the regularity of sleep patterns, making it an important tool for both sleep researchers and clinicians. This data is often analyzed in conjunction with sleep diaries or other sleep assessment methods to create a comprehensive understanding of a person's sleep behavior.