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Actigraphy

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Updated: February 12, 2009

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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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