At this point, I think we all understand that sleep affects just about every aspect of our well-being -- from mood to athletic performance. But I never really understood how much some of my daily habits affected my sleep quality and, in turn, my energy levels during the day. That is, until I started using the Oura Ring. What started as an interesting way of tracking my step count and workouts ended up being a real game changer for my sleep and overall well-being.
Unlike bulky smartwatches, the Oura ring is sleek, lightweight and highly comfortable. I wear it all day, every day, and only take it off while I shower (which is when I charge it). Every morning, I check the Oura app to see my sleep score, which breaks down how much sleep I got and how much time I spent in deep, REM and light sleep.
For more on sleep, be sure to check out our best sleep trackers and tips on getting better rest tonight.
How I use it
The biggest thing I started paying attention to was my "Readiness Score," which tells me how well my body has recovered overnight and how well it handles daytime stress. If my score is low, Oura prompts me to take it easy that day and suggests meditations I can access from within the app.
I've also used the ring to tweak my nighttime routine. I used to scroll on my phone before bed, but after seeing how much it disrupted my sleep, I switched to in-app Headspace meditations. I noticed how my sleep quality has improved since then.
Why it's worth it
Before using an Oura ring, I thought I was getting decent sleep. After using the Oura Ring Gen 3 for a year and then switching to the Gen 4 (which I have been using for six months), I now realize how much better I feel when I prioritize rest and maintain a good nighttime routine. I wake up feeling more refreshed and energized. It's also one of the few fitness trackers I don't mind wearing all the time, since it looks like jewelry, not a bulky tech device.
If you're curious about how your sleep and recovery impact your overall well-being, the Oura ring is for you.
In fact, this gadget is so useful and easy to set up, I think it would make an excellent gift for anyone looking to step up their health and wellness game. For more gift ideas, we've rounded up our favorite fitness gifts. And check out these fitness deals on health trackers, smart gyms and more.