Latest news with #sleeptracking
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's why the Oura Ring 4 is a postpartum mum's unexpected best friend
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I've been using an Apple Watch user for a while now, starting with a Series 6 and later upgrading to a Series 8 when it was released three years ago. So for about five years now, I've had a bulky square-ish dial on my wrist- and I still do, as I type this article. On the flip side, I've owned the Oura Ring 4 for only about 3 weeks now, and it has become this silent source of encouragement pushing me to take care of myself while I go about my life. As a first-time mom, my sleep cycle has been erratic, to say the least, with frequent nightly wake-ups to feed my infant. This is exactly why I needed to know if I was getting optimal rest and if my health was truly supporting my ability to function during the day. This was the primary reason behind trying out the new Oura Ring 4, which, when compared to a smartwatch, is manageable to sleep with. Now, I use the Oura Ring 4 all the time as an overall health tracker, while the Apple Watch sticks to being my fitness companion. Prime Day returns July 8th: check out our ultimate guide While setting up my Oura Ring, the app asked me a bunch of questions to determine whether I had any special circumstances or health issues that could impact my readings, to which I ticked off the option of having small kids at home, acknowledging the fact that this could affect my sleep score. For instance, after a night of only about 5.7 hours of sleep, my Oura Ring app presented a detailed picture of my breathing patterns and heart rate, in addition to the standard awake time, REM sleep, deep sleep, and so on. This analysis put things into perspective for me, and the app gave me suggestions as to how I could avoid a long afternoon nap so I could get my sleep cycle back in sync, asking me to wind down during the night with a book or a quick mindfulness session, or taking steps to improve my sleep quality at night. While the advice didn't stem from the fact that I was frequently waking up because my infant needed me, it did give me actionable items that helped me understand my sleep scores better. The Oura Ring 4 tracks sleep using a special "Smart sensing" technology that involves a combination of advanced sensors that are fitted into the ring, along with machine-learning algorithms that are specifically trained to track different stages of sleep. It also has sensors that track your oxygen, heart, and respiratory rate to understand how your body functions when you sleep. As someone who is constantly juggling multiple responsibilities — from managing my role as a News editor, and also navigating the unpredictable challenges that come with having an infant, stress can easily become something that goes under the radar, manifesting as a headache or just pure anxiety, as I transition between home and work, without a moment to myself. This is when Oura's AI-powered Advisor comes into play. The sensors constantly monitor my physiological state, and when the smart ring tracks that I'm experiencing elevated levels of stress based on my heart rate variability (HRV), the app instantly sends me a quick notification to take a look at the stats and possibly step back and "breathe the stress away" with a quick four-minute mindfulness session that gives me the much needed moment of calm amidst the daily chaos. Beyond that, the Oura Ring 4 also doubles as a subtle activity coach. Instead of constantly bugging me with reminders to "close rings", it gently nudges me to get in 3-4 minutes of movement when it detects longer periods of inactivity. While I still track my workouts with the Watch, these soft reminders from the Oura Advisor actually play a crucial role in keeping me on track with my fitness goals. While those were the main reasons why I primarily use the Oura Ring 4, I sometimes also track my steps with it when I don't have my watch on. However, another cool feature that I'm currently experimenting with is "Meals," a super-easy way to keep track of what you're eating in a day. Unlike traditional food tracking apps that require users to manually input data, which again is time-consuming to me, all I have to do is take a picture of my plate, and this AI feature will break things down for me. It shows me each "Meal Item" and the nutrients my plate contains, helping me reach for healthier options. So if you're a first-time mom juggling work and the challenges that come with having a tiny human at home, then this ring-sized motivator is for you. It will keep track of your sleep, stress, and sanity. The best part is that you don't have to reach for the charger as often as you would for an Apple Watch, as it offers up to 8 days of battery on a single charge. While the Oura Ring 4 (starting around $349) is on the more expensive side, it's worth noting that the Oura Ring 3 has currently crashed back to its lowest price at Amazon ahead of Prime Day, offering a more accessible entry point into Oura's excellent tracking capabilities. Oura Ring Gen 3 (Heritage Silver): $249.00 $199.00 at Amazon Days before Prime Day officially kicks off on July 8th, buyers can get $50 off the Oura Ring 3 smart ring, representing a 20% discount on a great last-generation device. The Oura Ring 3 has many of the features modern users want in a smart ring, including health monitoring like sleep and heart rate trackers, and the ability to use alternative apps for a wide range of other uses. Meanwhile, it looks like a simple wedding band, and you can manage all of this data using the mobile app on your Deal
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.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Garmin's new sleep tracker offers a week of battery life
Sleep tracking is nothing new in Garmin's fitness watches, but the company's latest wearable is a dedicated smart sleep band. The Index Sleep Monitor offers week-long battery life with continuous pulse ox tracking for monitoring your blood oxygen saturation while you sleep. Garmin's tracker is worn on the upper arm — which should hopefully make it more comfortable — where it tracks a variety of metrics: skin temperature; light, deep and REM sleep stages; and variations in your heart rate and breathing. The data is then combined to provide an overall personalized daily sleep score that can be viewed in the Garmin Connect app. If you already use a Garmin smartwatch but don't sleep with it on your wrist, the Index Sleep Monitor is designed to add the missing metrics to the insights you're already getting from the watch. Skin temperature tracking gives you a better idea of how your sleep environment affects the quality of your sleep, while flagging potential illnesses indicated by temperature changes. This metric also extends to menstrual health tracking, with skin temperature changes useful for tracking cycles, past ovulation estimates and offering what Garmin describes as 'improved period predictions.' Garmin's Index Sleep Monitor will also monitor your energy levels, providing you with its 'Body Battery' measurements that advise you to take more rest when the reading is coming in low. Again, these insights should be more accurate and reliable when combined with a compatible smartwatch worn during the day. The sleep band will also track your stress throughout the night, and features a smart alarm that attempts to wake you gently during lighter sleep stages so you'll feel less tired. The Index Sleep Monitor is available in S-M and L-XL sizes and costs $170.
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.
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Garmin Ditches Screens For Dedicated Sleep Tracking Wearable
Garmin Index Sleep Monitor Sleep tracking is hugely popular these days, and Garmin is out to cater for just that audience with the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor. Quite a departure from Garmin's Forerunner and Fenix watches, the Index Sleep Monitor is a screen-free device worn around the upper arm, and is only meant to be attached when you go to sleep. While the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor initially appears to have little in common with a Garmin watch, plenty of the stats on offer here are shared with the brand's watch series. Each night you'll get a sleep score, out of 100, and see a graph that outlines the stages of sleep you were in as the hours rolled by. That's deep, light, REM and awake. Garmin's algorithms are pretty good at noticing when you're under the weather, or drank enough alcohol to affect your sleep quality. The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor will report your breathing rate, skin temperature and blood oxygenation. Skin temperature readings are also used to power menstrual cycle tracking, including estimates as to when you will begin ovulation. Similarly, from heart rate data, the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor can extrapolate stress scores. And the entire breadth of stats will feed into Body Battery, one of Garmin's most engaging stats. A conventional optical heart rate reader harvests metrics Body Battery looks into how worn out your Garmin thinks you are. One of the interesting elements to see in the Index Sleep Monitor is how useful the Body Battery and stress scores will be, in the context of a band you only wear overnight. Stress? Most of us reach the peak of our stress levels while awake, and the Body Battery feature usually is only useful when your Garmin is worn all the time. It sounds like Garmin is primarily pitching Body Battery for those who also own a Garmin watch, and just don't want to wear it overnight. 'Users who wear a compatible smartwatch while awake can get a more complete picture of their energy levels—day and night,' says Garmin. Garmin Index Sleep Monitor comes in two sizes The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor also features its own version of one of Garmin's latest features, smart wake. This uses a vibrate motor to wake you up when you're in a sleep stage that won't leave you feeling groggy. But it works within a window, so you won't be late for work because of it either. 'Wearing this smart sleep band every night can provide in-depth sleep insights and a more complete picture of fitness and recovery so users can wake up ready to seize the day,' says Susan Lyman, Garmin's Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing. As with heart rate chest straps like the Garmin HRM 600, the brain module of the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor can be removed, letting you safely wash the strap. It's made of a stretchy fabric that is 70% nylon and 30% spandex. Garmin says you'll be able to use the tracker for a week before needing to recharge the battery, based on eight hours of sleep a night. The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor comes in two sizes, costs $169.99. It's currently listed as available in '3-5 weeks' on the U.S. Garmin store.
