Sleep deprivation is a problem commonly associated with the modern lifestyle. In fact, according to the latest statistics, people sleep on average 6.8 hours per day, with one hour less in comparison to 1942 (America). People who work in shifts often suffer from sleep disorders. This condition is also seen in those diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or obesity.
Keeping track of one’s sleep can offer valuable information with regard to both quality and frequency. And we are lucky to live in the age of technology, where we have a wide range of devices available for tracking sleep and daytime activity.
The Oura Ring is one of the top sleep-tracking gadgets, being easy to wear and gathering a lot of useful information on our sleeping patterns. And, yes, it is true that devices such as this one have taken the concept of biohacking to the next possible level.
Overview of the Oura Ring
The Oura Ring, a wearable device for sleep tracking, stands out as the inaugural product of its kind. It boasts an innovative design, modern hardware, advanced sensors, and a long-lasting battery. Finnish researchers developed this device, earning acclaim for its technical ingenuity. Utilizing the latest in sensor technology, the ring’s distinctive design renders it a desirable wellness tool. It serves as a compact wellness computer, capable of monitoring deep sleep and various sleep stages to enhance sleep hygiene and overall health.
Impressive by Design
The Oura Ring’s design makes a striking impression at first sight. Constructed from scratch-resistant zirconia and waterproof, it is durable for wear in any setting. Available in stealth black, mirror black, and arctic white, the ring offers a selection of colors to suit personal preferences. It comes in multiple sizes, ensuring a fit for all. Its design not only serves a practical purpose but also adds an element of style when worn on the finger.
How does the Oura Ring Work?
In order to find out the answer to the question – how does Oura ring work? – you have to keep in mind that this is a unique device. There is no other sleep-tracking device currently found on the market that uses a pulse oximeter. The device relies on this in order to measure the level of blood gases, gathering information from the finger arteries.
The engineers behind the development of the Oura Ring have experience in designing heart rate monitors, so they are well aware of the importance of presenting a product that can gather accurate information. The device functions on a precise algorithm that can identify accurate sleep stages and other health-related data.
The device also comes with a built-in accelerometer, which serves the purpose of identifying our bodily reactions throughout the day. For example, it can detect your heart rate, as well as track your breathing, temperature and movement. For example, it will take into account you working out, as this is a different type of activity in comparison to sleep.
You may wonder: is it accurate? The answer is yes. In sleep clinics, you will often see EEG being used for sleep detection. This small device, on the other hand, gathers data from the pulse oximeter and the accelerometer. It can identify each sleep stage, making the difference between REM sleep, light sleep and deep sleep.
Integrated app for more effective use
The Oura Ring communicates with your smartphone via Bluetooth, but constant connection isn’t necessary. You can wear the ring alone, and it will continue to collect data. It’s also important to note that the device’s battery can last up to seven days. The charging device doubles as the ring box.
The health and sleep data gathered by the device can be found in the integrated app, which is both available on Apple iOS and Android. The app contains all the information regarding sleep and activity tracking, and it can even offer recommendations based on your behavior. The main idea is for you to improve both your physical and mental health, especially with regard to sleep. Moreover, the application can draw and send information to other apps, such as the CareClinic health app.
All the data will be transformed into a readiness score, which is actually a percentage that can be used to make lifestyle changes and determine how qualitative your sleep hygiene actually is. You can trust the Oura app to improve the overall sleep quality, waking up well-rested in the morning. It might also be easier to change your daily activities so that you have enough time to rest and feel refreshed.
Frequently asked questions about the Oura Ring
If you are looking to find out more information on the Oura Ring, you might want to check out the reviews made on Reddit for this device. Also, you can check out this FAQ section.
On which finger can be Oura Ring be worn?
You can wear the Oura Ring on any finger you might like but make sure that it is the right size so that you feel comfortable when wearing it. As previously mentioned, the ring is available in different sizes, so this should not be an issue.
How is the Oura Ring different from the Motiv Ring?
A clear difference between Motiv and Oura is represented by the palette of available colors. The Oura Ring has 8 available sizes, while the Motiv Ring comes in 7. The first is available in two different designs, as opposed to the second which comes in one single design.
The new Oura Ring comes with a high-tech battery, which can last for up to seven days, outweighing the Motiv Ring with a battery of up to three days. Both, however, recharge quickly, in approximately one hour. There is even a charge alert option with the Oura Ring.
What is the cost of the Oura Ring?
Depending on the version, you can expect to pay somewhere between $300 and $1000.
Is the Oura Ring capable of tracking the heart rate while exercising?
The answer is no. The device is meant to identify the resting heart rate while you are sleeping or resting. It cannot track the heart rate while you exercise or engage in other activities.
Can the Oura Ring measure body temperature?
The device only measures the temperature while you are sleeping or resting. You will not be presented with actual values but rather shown changes regarding your body temperature, in accordance to the set baseline. This data can be presented over a certain period of time, ranging from days to months.
Why should you consider sleep tracking?
The modern human is stressed beyond measure, sleep can help the mind calm down. We work all the time and say no to relaxation, we forego sleep in favor of getting more work done and forget about the importance of rest. All of these are unhealthy habits, which favor health issue, such as sleep deprivation, insomnia and other sleep disorders.
To improve your sleep hygiene, you must monitor your current sleep patterns. The Oura Ring aids in this endeavor. Among the benefits of sleep tracking is the confrontation with our often ignored need for rest. A device like this can highlight your sleep habits, pointing out errors and suggesting ways to enhance sleep quality and regularity.
A sleep tracker logs your sleep duration, including naps and stages of sleep, providing a transparent view of your sleep patterns. With this information, you can adjust your routines to better your health.
Wearing a ring is more convenient than undergoing assessments at a sleep clinic, where you might receive similar insights. Tracking your sleep at home can also unveil insomnia triggers, like excessive screen time or late-night dining.
The tracking process itself is effortless—the device handles the data collection. You simply sleep, and the device actively monitors your health and sleep, empowering you to manage and refine your sleep habits.
Sleep is necessary to stay healthy
People who sleep only a few hours per night have a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, and even stroke. On the other hand, by sleeping for at least 7-8 hours every night, you will keep such risks down to a minimum.
Adequate sleep hygiene can help you improve cognitive performance, with a lower risk of brain fog and concentration difficulties. When you are well-rested, you are less irritable and more communicative. You will also reduce the risk of burnout and fatigue, which might cause you to eat more than necessary and, thus, become overweight.
It is also a known fact that sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making one prone to infections of various sorts. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with a higher risk of driving and work-related accidents, being considered a public safety hazard.
When you fail to get enough hours of sleep, your sex drive might be affected as well. This is because your energy levels are low, which will cause you to be anything but interested in sex. In men who suffer from sleep apnea, the levels of testosterone hormones are low, which will affect the overall sex drive even more.
It is important to consider this as part of your overall wellness strategy, which should include physical activity, eating nutritional food and remembering to taking your vitamins and other pills on time.
Modern research has also found a connection between sleep deprivation and depression. People who suffer from insomnia are at high risk of developing such mental health problems. The same risk is present in cases of anxiety, and in people who sleep less than six hours every night. (R)
