If you're anything like me, you already know that sleep is important, since it affects every aspect of your well-being -- from your mood to your athletic performance. However, I never really understood how much my daily habits affected my energy levels. That is until I started using the Oura Ring. At first, I was just interested in tracking my steps and workouts, but the real game-changer was how it helped me improve my sleep.
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 was disrupting my sleep, I switched to the in-app Headspace meditations instead. 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 model for a year, and then switching to the Gen 4 (which I have been using for 3 months), I now realize how much better I feel when prioritizing rest and having 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 a piece of jewelry and 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.
For more about Amazon's spring sales event, here are dozens of sleep items on sale this week.