Doctor explains how using too many health trackers can cause stress

May 2, 2026 - 09:07

A Rush University psychologist is raising concerns about the growing trend of wearing multiple health tracking devices, saying the constant stream of data can actually increase anxiety rather than improve well-being. Dr. Madeline Konsor, a clinical psychologist at Rush, explained that while fitness trackers, smartwatches, and sleep monitors are designed to help people stay healthy, they can easily become a source of pressure.

"When people rely on these devices too heavily, they start to feel like they are failing if their numbers aren't perfect," Dr. Konsor said. She noted that patients often report feeling stressed about meeting daily step goals, achieving optimal heart rate variability, or getting a perfect sleep score. Instead of promoting relaxation, the devices create a cycle of checking and worrying.

Dr. Konsor pointed out that health data is not always accurate or meaningful for every individual. For example, a single night of poor sleep might be flagged as a problem, even if the person feels fine. Over time, this can lead to what she calls "data overload," where users feel overwhelmed by information they do not know how to interpret. She recommends using trackers as general guides rather than strict judges of health. The key, she said, is to listen to your body first and let the device be a secondary tool, not the boss of your daily routine.