One of the talking points of the Apple Watch Series 7, the latest from the manufacturer, is a 33 percent faster charging compared with its predecessor. This has been made possible due to a new charging architecture and a Magnetic Fast charger USB-C cable. This feature is not available in all global markets but it does highlight how fast-charging has become a key feature as a growing number of users have their smartwatches on.
According to BCC Research, the global market for sleep aids is set to grow from $81.2 billion in 2020 to $112.7 billion by 2025 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent for the period of 2020-2025. Sleep is a serious business, and smartwatches are a key element in this mix. Sleep-tracking apps on wearables track the time you’re inactive and measure your sleep duration by identifying the point you drop off and rise. The wearables can detect interrupted sleep and sense when you’re tossing and turning or waking up during the night.
Sleep Tech
Accelerometers: These small motion sensors in your wearable measures how much movement you’re making while you sleep. This data is analysed with an algorithm to estimate sleep time and quality.
Heart rate monitors: They monitor sleep stages from REM (Rapid eye movement) to deep and light sleep stages by keeping a tab on your heart rate.
Microphones: Some smartwatches rely on microphones that can measure your respiration by tracking snoring, sleep apnea and how frequently you wake up during the night.
Five Smartwatches That Can Track Your Sleep
Garmin Forerunner 55: Garmin’s smartwatches have developed a cult following among runners and fitness enthusiasts. This ultra-light smartwatch offers some of Garmin’s key wellness features, all for under Rs 20,000. The companion Garmin Connect app offers heaps of wellness data including in-depth sleep statistics like total hours of sleep, sleep stages, and sleep movement. (Rs 19,885)
Fitbit Sense: The brand’s premium smartwatch is loaded with a bunch of wellness features that also includes a temperature sensor. Fitbit has been tracking sleep longer than most wearable brands, and the brand’s sleep score (a maximum of 100) has been a fairly accurate metric that helps you better understand your sleep patterns. You get more drill-down data if you opt for the Fitbit Premium (Rs 999/year) subscription, and that includes a detailed Sleep Score breakdown as well as Snore & Noise detect. The premium option also offers guided sleep sessions. (Rs 22,999)
OnePlus Watch: Design is a big win for OnePlus’ first smartwatch. A 46mm case finished in high-quality stainless steel (there’s also a limited edition that features cobalt alloy), and it gets a silicone strap that is quite refined too. From sleep tracking to SpO2 tracking, to heaps of workout modes, this wearable is ideal for fitness enthusiasts. It charges in a jiffy — you can get a day’s power with a 5-minute charge or a week’s battery backup with a 20-minute charge. (Rs 14,999)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: The Galaxy watch features an advanced sleep tracker that detects and holistically analyses sleep stages while you rest. The watch tracks blood oxygen levels, snoring patterns and offers advanced insights from the National Sleep Foundation. It also has a new BioActive Sensor, a faster chip and a new tool that measures body composition. (From Rs 23,999)
Apple Watch Series 7: Still the best option for iPhone users, Apple has enhanced the battery life and charging speed of the Series 7. It also tracks your respiratory rate while you’re asleep. Apple’s sleep tracking feature doesn’t just keep track of your sleep but it also helps you create a schedule and a bedtime routine to help you meet your sleep goals. (From Rs 41,900)
