I have always found it uncomfortable to wear a watch to bed, as it feels like wearing street clothes between the sheets. The association of watches with being out and about makes it feel off, not to mention the fact that they can be germ magnets. Garmin has now launched a sleep tracker called the Sleep Index Monitor, priced at $170, which offers a cleaner and gentler alternative to traditional smartwatches.

Garmin's smartwatches have now introduced a sleep tracker that can be worn around the arm, providing a more comfortable option for tracking sleep. The Sleep Index Monitor is available for purchase, although there may be a slight delay in shipping. The Garmin Connect app syncs with the monitor and provides detailed insights into sleep patterns, including sleep scores, heart rate variability, respiration rates, and more.

What It Tracks

The Garmin Connect app offers a comprehensive breakdown of sleep patterns, including a personalized sleep score based on various factors like sleep duration and stress levels. The app also tracks sleep stages, heart rate variability, respiration rates, and even menstrual cycles. One of the standout features of the Sleep Index Monitor is the 'smart wake alarm' that monitors sleep stages and wakes you up during a lighter stage of sleep, making the waking process more gentle and less jarring.

Unlike traditional smartwatches, the Sleep Index Monitor can be removed from the armband and washed in a washing machine, making it a convenient and hygienic option for sleep tracking.