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Actigraphy

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 30, 2011

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Definition:

This technique uses a small instrument called an actigraph worn on the wrist or ankle to measure body movement. It creates a pattern based on activity that is useful in assessing sleep-wake cycles across many consecutive days and nights. It is useful for assessing advanced and delayed sleep phase disorders.

Examples:
The actigraphy showed that she actually sleeps more than she thought.

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