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CEO, breathesimple

Humans are rather poor at recognizing when their mental state may not be too good at making key decisions. Now research by a team led by Prof. Daniel Forger at the University of Michigan underpins the development of a new wearable-based app called ‘Social Ribbons’. It will warn when it may be inopportune to be undertaking key tasks while at work. We already know that lack of sleep can lead to poor decision-making (see https://lnkd.in/g6_P5XY). However the researchers added another variable, the phasing of individual body clocks. 2,500 first-year resident physicians were tracked over 2 years using Fitbit wearables that recorded when they were awake and, using some unique algorithms, derived their Circadian rhythm patterns. Each subject noted their mood daily. The cohort was an ideal population - first year residency is known for its long and irregular hours on duty and the stressful and unexpected situations that are confronted. As the charts indicate, both the number of wake hours AND Circadian phases influence mood. As found in earlier research, the longer awake, the greater the impact on mood and concomitant ability to make rational decisions. But, additionally, mood swings become greater the longer the awake period. In such cases, knowing where you are in the Circadian rhythm becomes a key factor in the ability to perform at work. Quoting Dr. Forger, "People are not very good at assessing what the state of their biological clock is, and they're actually not so good at assessing how well they've slept, and that's why all these wearables are providing a lot more information to people." The research is reported in the January 2024 volume of Digital Health https://bit.ly/3J3XapI . And for more about how body clocks work and why they affect moods see https://lnkd.in/e6unhnzU . #digitalhealth #bodyclock #sleepdeprivation #depression #circadian #wearables #mentalhealth

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Alister Martin

CEO | A Healthier Democracy | Physician

5mo

Amazing insights! Anthony Warren 👏🏽 Understanding the interplay between wake hours, Circadian phases, and mood is crucial for decision-making. This study underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance self-awareness and optimize performance.🙌🏽

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