In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals are increasingly tuning into their health through wearable technology. One such person is Yang Weina, a white-collar worker from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Each morning, her routine begins with checking the sleep score on her smartwatch, reflecting her dedication to wellness.
“Due to my recent late-night shifts, I’ve been consistently receiving low scores—around 75 to 85 out of 100,” noted the 32-year-old. “This score often mirrors how I feel throughout the day. My heart races sometimes, and I often feel a bit dizzy, particularly in the afternoons. I’m thinking about trying melatonin or consulting a sleep clinic.”
Yang appreciates the heart rate monitor on her smartwatch, especially during stressful moments. “When I approach a deadline, my heart rate can spike to over 120 beats per minute. Seeing that number prompts me to take a step back, breathe deeply, and gaze out the window for a few moments to regain my composure.”
The integration of wearable technology and artificial intelligence is empowering health-conscious individuals, allowing them to monitor their well-being more closely. This trend, often referred to online as “cyber wellness,” reflects a growing interest in personal health management among young people.
Lin Yiran, a 28-year-old, shared her morning ritual with Beijing Daily, stating that she takes a photo of her tongue daily and uploads it to an AI medical diagnosis platform. In traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue is believed to be a window into various health aspects.
According to Lin, if the AI report reveals a thick, greasy coating—indicative of dampness—she brews barley water, while rose tea is her choice if it suggests liver qi stagnation, a TCM concept associated with emotional imbalance.
Medical professionals note that although these tools can be useful for monitoring basic health parameters, they should not replace formal medical evaluations.
Zhang Jin, director of the disease prevention center at Xiyuan Hospital, highlighted that these digital tools can offer early alerts about potential health issues. “Many people find it hard to make time for a doctor’s visit,” Zhang explained. “Using apps and self-monitoring can provide an initial understanding of one’s health, catching issues before they escalate.”
She emphasized that simple daily checks—such as monitoring sleep, weight, and other basic physical indicators—can help track one’s health effectively. “We frequently observe young individuals whose tongues exhibit signs of high stress,” she remarked, noting the importance of recognizing these early warning signs.
Nonetheless, Zhang cautioned against over-reliance on digital tools for diagnosis. “You can’t diagnose based solely on a tongue image,” she clarified.
Supporting this perspective, Jiang Quan, director of rheumatology at Guang’anmen Hospital, acknowledged the benefits of smart devices in health tracking. She noted a rising awareness of preventive health among young people.
Jiang pointed out that data from wearables can illuminate how lifestyle choices—like late-night work, stress, and prolonged sitting—affect one’s health. However, she advised caution: “An occasional spike in heart rate or slight drop in blood oxygen can often be attributed to factors such as tension, recent meals, anxiety, or insufficient sleep, rather than indicating a serious health issue.”
“Constantly monitoring the same health metrics can lead to anxiety and insomnia,” Jiang continued. “This cycle can sap your energy and disrupt both your physical and mental well-being.”
Overall, data from smartwatches and health applications should serve as preliminary warnings, not definitive diagnoses. “If you experience discomfort or observe abnormal readings, it’s essential to seek a hospital for a comprehensive evaluation,” Jiang advised.
Guo Yuhe contributed to this story.
wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn
