Garmin Index Sleep Monitor
on Google.
As a regular reader of my work, you likely know I’m a fan of Garmin watches, especially for the built-in LED flashlight I use daily.
I’ve been hoping for a smart ring that could sync with Garmin Connect, allowing me to gather key metrics for recovery and training status without wearing a bulky watch to bed. While a smart ring isn’t yet an option, Garmin recently introduced a single-purpose wearable to fill the void: the Index Sleep Monitor
The system consists of an ultra-comfortable band that measures 2.5 inches wide. Two varying lengths are available, depending on your upper arm circumference. The L/XL size fits my arm the best, but there is also an S/M size available.
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The band weighs only 16 to 20 grams, depending on the size, and I cannot stress enough how extremely comfortable it is to wear every night. That aspect of the product may be its most important, considering it would replace something just as subtle as a smart ring.
The Index Sleep Monitor module is also light at 14.5 grams (0.5 ounce) and charges up with a standard Garmin charging cable. Garmin advertises up to seven nights of sleep tracking with eight hours of sleep. I generally sleep about 7.5 hours per night, and the advertised battery life has been accurate.
Beyond its sleep tracking capabilities, the Index Sleep Monitor features an alarm with a “Smart Alarm” function — a capability also found on the Venu X1 and Vivoactive 6. This feature can wake you gently during a light sleep phase up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
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The alarm itself is a vibration with three adjustable intensity levels. A double tap on the monitor will snooze the alarm for 10 minutes, while four taps will stop it entirely.
At its current price, the Index Sleep Monitor could serve as more than just a sleep tracker. Its sleek design and band are well-suited to function as a heart rate monitor for activities where a watch isn’t allowed or optimal, such as basketball or football, capturing vital performance data.
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After several weeks of use, the monitor has consistently provided more accurate sleep data than a watch, which sometimes showed gaps. This newfound accuracy, along with the comfort of not wearing a watch to bed, allows me to fully commit to the Garmin ecosystem, no longer needing to supplement with a smart ring for key metrics.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Wearing a watch to track sleep can lead to frustrating data gaps, undesirable battery drain, and discomfort. The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor
