Norwegian Study Warns Sleep Apps May Trigger "Orthosomnia" and Heighten Anxiety in Younger Users

Sleep apps help track rest, but a Norwegian study finds they can trigger orthosomnia and increased stress, especially in younger users and insomnia patients.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 9:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Frontiers in Psychology and Dr. Liji Thomas, MD

The Rise of Algorithmic Sleep Surveillance

Sleep apps have transitioned from niche fitness tools to mainstream health monitors, utilized by approximately 46% of adults according to a survey of 1,002 residents in Norway. These applications typically rely on wearable sensors in smartwatches to track physiological markers such as movement, temperature, and heart rate. Using predefined algorithms, the apps generate data on sleep latency, duration, and efficiency. While users under 50 and women are the primary adopters, the study highlights a growing tension between the data these apps provide and the user's actual subjective experience of rest.

Positive Perceptions Versus Clinical Reality

The perceived benefits of sleep apps are largely centered on self-knowledge and prioritization. Approximately 48% of users reported that they "learned about their own sleep," while 29% claimed the app encouraged them to prioritize rest. However, only 15% of participants felt the technology actually improved their sleep quality. This discrepancy suggests that while apps are effective at providing data-driven insights, they are less successful as a functional cure for sleep disorders, serving more as a mirror than a remedy.

The "Orthosomnia" Risk for Younger Populations

A primary concern identified by researchers is the development of "orthosomnia," characterized by an excessive preoccupation with sleep data. The study found that younger users (aged 18–35) were significantly more affected by both the positive and negative outputs of their apps. Roughly 20–23% of this age group reported feeling stressed by their sleep data, compared to just 2% of users over 65. This heightened sensitivity suggests that younger generations may be more responsive to biofeedback, but also more vulnerable to the anxiety that arises when their data does not align with "ideal" sleep stages.