From Sleep Scores to Self-Knowledge: : Older Adults’ Experiences with Tracking Sleep Using the Oura Ring

Singh, Aneesha and Song, Minsi and Woestman, Stella Loukeri and Ongsricharoenporn, Jiratchaya and Gunal, Yasemin and Knowles, Bran and Soubutts, Ewan and Rogers, Yvonne (2026) From Sleep Scores to Self-Knowledge: : Older Adults’ Experiences with Tracking Sleep Using the Oura Ring. In: ACM CHI 2026 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI'26) :. ACM, ESP. (In Press)

Text (Smart_Rings_CHI_26__Accepted_)
Smart_Rings_CHI_26_Accepted_.pdf - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 13 April 2026.
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (4MB)

Abstract

As people age, sleep often becomes lighter, more fragmented, and a source of increasing concern. Smart rings, like Oura, offer a discreet and comfortable means of supporting sleep tracking, yet it remains unclear how older adults engage with the sleep-related insights they provide. Our research investigates how older adults engage with biometric sleep data, the barriers they encounter in understanding health metrics, and the ways these technologies influence self-perception and wellbeing practices. We report findings from a one-month diary study (n=20) and follow-up interviews (n=10) after around four months of ring use. Participants reflected on the meanings they attributed to app-based metrics, their perceived ability to change sleep behaviours, and whether such feedback felt useful, confusing, or intrusive. The findings highlight tensions between data accuracy, interface design, and individual expectations. We discuss opportunities for more age-inclusive wearable technologies that promote meaningful engagement with personal health and wellbeing data.