Sleep And Activity Tracking

[Serielda]

Has anyone here experimented with  the fitness trackers like Fitbit or jawbone for an example. I have been toying with the notion of purchasing one to track my activity level and sleep. However before spending $100.00 or slightly more on one of these I would like to hear the pro's and cons of others who may be using these to help assist in those avenue's.  I am a believer in if it helps make it happen, and I am also an advocate to find ways to help better myself.

[Scott Adams]

There are many free apps out there that do this...wish I could direct you to them, but before paying, be sure to search the Apple App store (if you use Apple) or the Internet.

[Serielda]

I have tried a few of those the one I am using now is called 24/7 or something of that gist. I do have some questions regarding how accurate is a heart beat check using the flash of my camera. I am just a bit doubtful, as I code a little and I know there can be discrepencies. My question was is the hardware/software on these gizmo's sturdy and do a good job. I knew only one person who had one, but I lost contact with that person. It was a pitty as he was a treasure trove of knowledge healthwise when it came to working out and that sort of thing. He was probally the best personal trainer I had at my old job where I used to live.

There are many free apps out there that do this...wish I could direct you to them, but before paying, be sure to search the Apple App store (if you use Apple) or the Internet.

[kareng]

Perhaps if you googled them, you could find out if anyone has " studied" them for accuracy?

[Serielda]

I have but the thing with me is I am leaning toward the Nike fuel band as it works with my phone, only problem is I haven't really heard a whole lot about that one. The one I am tempted with is the fitbit, but I heard some folks got rashes from it which makes me a bit hesident to use it. I guess I will wait to hear more  regarding the nike one.

Perhaps if you googled them, you could find out if anyone has " studied" them for accuracy?

[LauraTX]

I have a friend who has difficulty sticking to things and being motivated, so she bought a fitbit to help with her weightloss goals and it sits on her dresser.  I would say that one of those may be worth it if you are already into activity, but if you tend to slack off on the exercise routine, it may just be an expensive paperweight.

[kogirl04]

I've been recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, so I'm new to this site. I had always slept well, then suddenly at age 44 noticed a change resulting in a quest to find something to help track my sleep patterns. After much research, I bought BodyMedia, who was just bought out by Jawbone. It's an armband your wear and the sensors contacting your skin give an accurate reading of sleep. It doesn't distinguish between the levels of sleep, but it matched my sleep log (noting wake and sleep times during the night) exactly. I have tried FitBit, which is a wristband, and found it to not be as accurate as BodyMedia. I'm still waiting for a good wristband option to come out so I don't have to wear the armband on my left bicep ( I get asked all the time "what is that on your arm"), but again it's been the best option to track my sleep thus far. 

[RMJ]

I have a Withings Pulse O2. It counts steps, elevation changes (stairs and hills), monitors sleep (categorizing as awake, light and deep) and can measure pulse and oxygen saturation. I like it. I try to do 10,000 steps a day. I think it does a good job monitoring sleep (worn on my wrist, like a watch). I don't think the elevation measurements are very accurate.