I Track My Health Data in Markdown: Lessons in Digital Longevity

I’ve spent years tracking my sleep, diet, and exercise with apps and wearables. But here’s the problem: when an app gets discontinued or stops syncing, the data—and all the insights—disappear.

That’s why I’ve adopted a “file over app” philosophy for health tracking. Instead of relying on apps, I save everything in open, accessible formats like Markdown or CSV. These files are local, portable, and universally readable—ensuring my data outlives any app or platform.

Here’s how I do it: • Workouts, meals, and sleep logs go into plain text notes. • Trends and averages (e.g., weekly sleep hours) are calculated in Google Sheets. • Files sync to the cloud (Google Drive) and back up locally.

For example, my sleep log might look like this:

### Sleep Log (December 2024) - 12/01: 7.5 hrs (11:00 PM - 6:30 AM) - 12/02: 6 hrs (12:30 AM - 6:30 AM) - Felt tired, adjusted bedtime. - 12/03: 8 hrs (10:30 PM - 6:30 AM)

Why this matters: • Plain text lasts. It’s universally accessible and won’t be rendered useless if an app shuts down. • You stay in control. Apps come and go, but your files remain intact and usable for the long haul.

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42420721

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