The latest wearables are using sweat from stress to monitor psychological stress.
Here, experts give a deep dive into how it works.
(If not now, right?)
Here he, along with Fitbit research algorithms scientistBelen Lafon, PhD, give more information.
One of those responses is sweating.
But when we sweat, it isnt just water seeping from our pores.
Belen Lafon, Ph.D. is a research algorithms scientist at Fitbit and based in San Francisco, California.
Cortisolaka the stress hormoneis excreted too.
Cortisol, he says, can be detected in our blood, sweat, saliva, and urine.
(Arent you glad the latest wearables arent monitoring your pee?)
In Dr. Ionescus experiments, his team created a chip that detects changes in cortisol through sweat.
This process is very sensitive and effective to quantify very small concentration changes, Dr. Ionescu says.
(Generally, theyrehigher in the morning when you wake upand lower at the end of the day.)
Abnormal cortisol levels can be indeed generated by stress but also by intense physical activity, he says.
There is a circadian rhythm of cortisol but we know quite well the normal limits… ## Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
These waves can be measured by Sense, and each of them is what we call an EDA response.
Belen Lafon, Ph.D. is a research algorithms scientist at Fitbit and based in San Francisco, California.
Measuring these responses may help users understand their bodys response to stressors and can help them manage their stress.
The smartwatch also uses heartrate and sleep activity in conjunction with this to give an overall stress score.
This, she believes, gives a more complete picture of someones stress versus just cortisol changes alone.
You have the data, now what?
(Fitbit Premium offers mindfulness sessions withHeadspace.)
For example, a wearable may detect that someone is stressed before they realize it themselves.
Then, this information can be used to nip it in the bud before it gets worse.
Have no idea how far you walked while taking the dog out?
Wondering if youreallygot eight hours of sleep last night?
Tech keeps the score.
The only remaining question: What will it tell us next?
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