Latest news with #healthmetrics
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- Health
- Arabian Business
WHOOP wants to slow time – and the Gulf is listening
In the Middle East, wellness is no longer about routines. It's about metrics. Health in the region has become a numbers game – measured in stress thresholds, hormonal trends, and, increasingly, physiological age. Clinics track everything from gut biome to glucose levels. Corporate executives wear rings, wristbands, and patches that claim to measure sleep quality and cognitive load. It is a market built not just on aspiration but on data. So it's fitting that WHOOP, the wearable once known for tracking elite athletes, is positioning itself at the centre of the Gulf's billion-dollar well-being economy. 'My name is Stephan Muller. I'm the Director for WHOOP in the Middle East,' he says. 'Unlocking human performance has always been in our DNA. It's something that's extremely important to us. But we're so pleased that we're now focusing additionally on healthspan.' WHOOP tracks health, not just fitness That shift has a name: WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG. These aren't your average smartbands. They're built not just to track your workouts, but to act as mini-diagnostics labs on your wrist. 'We've come out with new hardware that includes things like heart screening, blood pressure insights, insights to your hormones and a few more other things that we can talk about,' says Muller. It sounds clinical because it is. WHOOP MG is the company's first medical-grade wearable. Designed to surface insights typically reserved for hospital settings, it can monitor everything from cardiovascular strain to long-term hormonal health. The headline feature? WHOOP Age. 'It shows you the pace at which you're aging. For example, I'm 35. My WHOOP Age is currently 30, which is great. But it's also because I'm putting in the effort into working out, eating healthy, sleeping well, etc. That number can change very, very quickly depending on my lifestyle.' Ageing, in this context, is not a passive process. It's a daily fluctuation. One day of sleep deprivation or poor eating habits can tilt the balance. WHOOP doesn't just track your health – it reflects back the cost of your lifestyle decisions in stark, sometimes uncomfortable terms. 'If I'm going through a stressful period, if I'm not eating well, if I'm having, you know, short nights of sleep, I will increase and accelerate my pace of aging very quickly. And it's measured by nine different metrics that we measure on ongoing basis at WHOOP,' says Muller. This isn't just tech; it's behavioural psychology embedded in design. By creating a tight feedback loop between your actions and your health score, WHOOP turns wellness into a measurable, gamified discipline. And the company is reengineering its business model to support it. 'It was one membership option for everyone. Now we have three membership options. We want to make sure that we are as customised and personalised to the needs of our members,' Muller explains. 'We have One, Peak and Life.' One gives you the fundamentals. It's targeted at those who want core performance data without the clinical detail. Peak offers more advanced performance insights, including recovery patterns, sleep cycles, and strain metrics. Life – the top tier – adds the hardware ridges that double as a 30-second heart screener. 'It's something that we found extremely important to include. And I'm actually wearing the top tier on this – you'll see these ridges here on the side. Effectively, what you do is you'll hold on to that for about 30 seconds when you have your WHOOP app open, and it'll give you your heart screener within that 30-second period.' It doesn't stop there. Blood pressure readings are now continuous, provided you calibrate with three cuff-based measurements. That level of constant, passive monitoring is what elevates WHOOP from a lifestyle device to a preventative health tool. 'It gives you your estimated blood pressure on a consistent basis,' says Muller. 'One important thing to note, though is that in order to get the most accurate insights possible, you do need to provide three readings with the cuff. At first, you upload those insights onto the WHOOP app, and then from that moment onwards, it can accurately read your blood pressure on ongoing basis.' In many ways, WHOOP reflects a broader shift in how people engage with healthcare: less reactive, more predictive. The platform isn't just used for peak performance anymore. It's targeting professionals, frequent travellers, parents – anyone whose life feels like an endurance sport. 'I think with our entry into healthspan and coming up with a medical-grade device, I think we're targeting a much broader audience. I think a lot more people are going to benefit from WHOOP that maybe weren't as attracted to it or as spoken to before.' Gulf leads in wellness innovation That broader audience is already emerging across the Gulf. From Saudi's AI hospitals to Dubai's biohacking clinics, the region is racing ahead of the global curve on health innovation. The UAE alone has announced multiple national strategies tied to well-being, digital health, and AI-enabled diagnostics. WHOOP fits seamlessly into this narrative. Not just because of its hardware, but because of the mindset it represents: one where individuals take responsibility for their biology. WHOOP is convinced that this mindset shift is permanent. And now, with a battery that lasts longer than ever, it's doubling down on that opportunity. 'It's a really exciting time for us. We also have a much longer battery life, which is something that might seem small for certain people, but if you're a WHOOP member at this point, it's something that's really exciting for a lot of people as well.' In a market focused on peak performance, WHOOP isn't just selling a wearable. It's offering a second chance at time. And for a region investing so heavily in longevity, prevention, and optimisation, it may be exactly the kind of device the future demands.
Geeky Gadgets
22-06-2025
- Health
- Geeky Gadgets
Garmin Index Sleep Monitor: A Deep Dive into Its Sleep Tracking Tech
The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is a specialized wearable designed to provide in-depth sleep tracking without the need for a wristwatch. It caters to individuals who prioritize comfort during sleep or prefer to charge their Garmin watch overnight. Equipped with Garmin's fifth-generation heart rate sensor, the device delivers detailed insights into your sleep and overall health. However, its functionality is focused solely on sleep tracking, distinguishing it from all-day health and activity trackers. The detailed video below from DesFit gives us a look at the device and its range of features. Watch this video on YouTube. Comfort-Oriented Design The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is designed with comfort as a top priority. Unlike traditional wrist-based wearables, it features a soft, wide, Velcro-adjustable bicep band. This thoughtful design eliminates the discomfort often associated with wearing a watch to bed. The band is machine washable and comes in two sizes, making sure a secure and personalized fit for a wide range of users. This focus on comfort makes the device particularly appealing to those who find wrist-based devices inconvenient or uncomfortable during sleep. By prioritizing a non-intrusive design, Garmin has created a product that seamlessly integrates into your nightly routine without compromising on functionality. Advanced Sleep Tracking and Health Metrics The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor goes beyond basic sleep tracking by monitoring a variety of health metrics that provide a comprehensive understanding of your sleep quality and overall well-being. These include: Heart rate and resting heart rate and resting heart rate Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) Heart rate variability (HRV) Skin temperature Breathing disturbances These metrics are analyzed to generate detailed sleep scores and insights into sleep stages, such as light, deep, and REM sleep. The device also integrates with Garmin's Body Battery and training readiness features, helping you understand how your sleep impacts your energy levels and fitness potential. For women, the monitor includes menstrual cycle tracking, offering an additional layer of personalized health insights. Furthermore, the device features a smart alarm that gently vibrates to wake you during an optimal sleep phase, making sure a more refreshed and energized start to your day. Seamless Integration and Data Management The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is designed to work independently or in conjunction with Garmin watches, providing flexibility for users. It syncs effortlessly with the Garmin Connect app, where you can access detailed sleep data, trends, and insights. When used alongside a Garmin watch, the system prioritizes data from the watch to maintain consistency and accuracy across your health metrics. This seamless integration ensures that your sleep data is not only comprehensive but also complements the broader health tracking capabilities of Garmin's ecosystem. Battery Life and Charging Efficiency The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor offers a battery life of up to seven days, even with continuous SpO2 tracking enabled. This extended battery life minimizes the need for frequent charging, making it a convenient option for users with busy schedules. Charging the device is straightforward, using Garmin's standard charging port and cable. This compatibility allows the device to integrate seamlessly into your existing charging routine, making sure that it remains ready for use without added hassle. Key Limitations to Consider While the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor excels in sleep tracking, it does have some limitations that may influence its suitability for certain users: It is not a 24/7 health and activity tracker , meaning it cannot monitor daily activity levels or provide round-the-clock health insights. , meaning it cannot monitor daily activity levels or provide round-the-clock health insights. Sleep data may take longer to populate if you wake up earlier than usual, which could be inconvenient for users with irregular schedules. These limitations make the device less ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive health tracking solution. However, for those focused specifically on sleep optimization, it remains a highly effective tool. Pricing and Value Proposition Priced at $169, the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is positioned as a sleep-specific device. While it offers advanced features and detailed insights, some users may find it lacks the versatility of a more comprehensive health tracker. However, for individuals who prioritize optimizing their sleep, the device delivers excellent value. Its combination of comfort, advanced metrics, and seamless integration with Garmin's ecosystem makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to improve their sleep quality. Enhanced User Experience The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is designed with ease of use in mind. Its bicep band minimizes light leakage from the sensor, making sure accurate readings without disrupting your sleep. Additionally, by allowing you to charge your Garmin watch overnight, the device provides added convenience for users who rely on their watch for daytime tracking. This focus on user experience ensures that the device not only delivers accurate and detailed sleep data but also integrates seamlessly into your daily routine, making it a practical and user-friendly option. Overall Assessment The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is a purpose-built device that excels in sleep tracking. By combining comfort, detailed health insights, and seamless integration with Garmin's ecosystem, it offers a valuable tool for understanding and improving your sleep patterns. While its lack of broader health and activity tracking features may limit its appeal for users seeking an all-in-one solution, it remains an excellent choice for those focused on sleep optimization. For individuals looking to gain deeper insights into their sleep and overall well-being, the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor provides a reliable, comfortable, and effective solution. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Sleep tracking. Source & Image Credit: DesFit Filed Under: Gadgets News, Guides, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Bloomberg
18-06-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Garmin Launches $170 Health-Tracking Arm Band for Wear During Sleep
Garmin Ltd. on Wednesday launched an arm band for wear during sleep that can track vital health metrics, stepping up competition with companies like Whoop Inc. and other emerging players. The company's $170 Index Sleep Monitor — a first for the fitness devices maker — is worn on the upper arm like a blood-pressure cuff and tracks blood oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, respiration rates, breathing patterns and skin temperature. It also provides sleep metrics like hours slept and data on different stages of sleep.
