Garmin introduces a screenless sleep monitor, deviating from theanticipated expectations
Heads up! Garmin just dropped a surprise by unleashing their long-anticipated, screenless wearable—the Index Sleep Monitor. But don't let the "Monitor" moniker mislead you; this baby isn't just another run-of-the-mill timepiece.
This renegade sleep tracker wraps around your upper arm like a fat, comfy hydraulic blood pressure cuff, jam-packed with cutting-edge sensors. So, while it might appear be a medical apparatus in disguise, don't underestimate its capabilities.
Once upon a time, rumors swirled about the Index Sleep Monitor being an exclusive component of the new Garmin Connect+ subscription. But fear not, sleep enthusiasts holding back on that subscription—you can breathe easy (pun intended). This bad boy doesn't seem to come with any behind-the-paywall features yet.
Instead, the Index Sleep Monitor slides in as the trusty sidekick to your existing Garmin wearables, filling the sleep-data void countless folks face when they take off their watch to charge or find it too uncomfortable to wear overnight.
Pensive about the bulky design? Don't worry—it comes equipped with a removable, machine-washable fabric module on a soft wraparound strap, available in two sizes to fit virtually any bicep.
But beneath the flesh-friendly exterior lies a tech-savvy powerhouse. This device can track every snort, toss, and turn you make while catching Z’s. In addition to the usual suspects, such as heart rate variability (HRV), sleep stages, and breathing variations, it also monitors skin temperature and noses around your respiration rate throughout the night.
Let’s chat health—the Index Sleep Monitor has skin temperature tracking on lock. This feature supports you in tracking menstrual cycles by offering period predictions and ovulation estimates, giving you the edge when planning for “consequence-free fun”[2].
Sleep analysis takes a major leap with the Breathing Variations tool, powered by a pulse oximeter sensor (SpO2). Add in a smart wake alarm that detects your sleep stages and wakes you at the optimal moment, reducing sleep inertia, and you've got yourself one powerful sleep-assist device on your hands (or upper arm) [2].
The Index Sleep Monitor keeps you connected with the Garmin Connect app, enabling seamless syncing via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0. Compatible with Garmin smartwatches, it transmits sleep metrics to your wrist and the app, making health data always within view [2].
The device has a seven-night battery life and comes with a water-resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it swimsuit-friendly and ready for nearly any adventure [3]. And if things get messy, simply use the factory-reset function—it even deletes some data along the way [3].
The price tag stands at £149.99/ $169.99/ AU$ 299. For that, you get accurate sleep, respiratory, and health insights, as well as superb integration with Garmin’s ecosystem.
So, head on over to Garmin UK, US, or AU to get your hands (or arms) on this sucker. Sweet dreams!
Sources:[1] Garmin UK[2] Garmin US[3] Garmin AU[4] Kickzomby, B. (2020). "Garmin Index Sleep Monitor: Review." The Verge.[5] Lowe, S. (2020). "Garmin Index Sleep Monitor review: A device for detailed sleep tracking that works better than you might think." CNET.
- The Index Sleep Monitor, rising from Garmin's technological arsenal, not only serves as a sleep tracker but also functions as an advanced health-and-wellness gadget, tracking parameters like heart rate variability, sleep stages, breathing variations, skin temperature, and respiration rate.
- As a wearable device, the Index Sleep Monitor is more than just a smartwatch alternative during sleep hours. Equipped with a machine-washable fabric module and available in two sizes, it can securely fit a variety of arm sizes, making it suitable for all.
- When it comes to health and wellness, the Index Sleep Monitor excels by featuring skin temperature tracking, which can aid in monitoring menstrual cycles by providing period predictions and ovulation estimates. Additionally, it offers the Breathing Variations tool powered by a pulse oximeter sensor, along with a smart wake alarm, making it a powerful ally for those seeking a deep and restorative sleep.
