As an early adopter of technology, I’ve always been on the lookout for tools that help optimize my performance, health, and overall well-being. One product I absolutely can’t live without is the Oura Ring. This is my third one, and I can confidently say it’s a game-changer in my quest for better health and, specifically, better sleep.
Why Sleep and Health Are My Top Priorities
Over the years, my priorities have evolved. While many people argue that family, relationships, spirituality, and career should come before anything else, I firmly believe that health has to be the foundation for it all. It’s like the airline safety reminder: put your own mask on first before helping others. Without physical, mental, and emotional health, it’s impossible to show up fully for the people and responsibilities in your life.
Sleep, in particular, has become my obsession. As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that how I feel, think, and perform is directly tied to the quality of my sleep. I don’t just want to live—I want to feel as good as I possibly can every single day. The Oura Ring has become an invaluable tool in making that happen.
What Is the Oura Ring?
The Oura Ring is a sleek, wearable device that tracks key health metrics like sleep, activity, heart rate, and recovery. Unlike other fitness trackers, it’s designed to be worn as a ring, making it lightweight, unobtrusive, and stylish. What sets the Oura Ring apart is its ability to provide deep insights into sleep quality and overall health, backed by cutting-edge science.
Key Features of the Oura Ring
1. Sleep Tracking
• The Oura Ring gives you a detailed breakdown of your sleep, including REM sleep, deep sleep, and light sleep. It also tracks your sleep latency (how quickly you fall asleep) and sleep efficiency (how much time in bed you actually spend sleeping).
2. Readiness Score
• Every morning, the Oura Ring provides a Readiness Score, which reflects how well your body has recovered overnight. It takes into account factors like sleep quality, heart rate variability (HRV), and physical activity. This score helps you decide whether to push hard that day or take it easy.
3. Activity Tracking
• The ring tracks your daily movement and activity levels, including steps, calories burned, and active time. It even reminds you to move when you’ve been sitting too long.
4. Heart Rate and HRV
• The Oura Ring continuously measures your heart rate and heart rate variability, two critical metrics for understanding stress levels and recovery.
5. Temperature Tracking
• It tracks changes in your body temperature, which can provide early insights into things like illness or even your sleep environment’s effect on your rest.
The Science of Sleep
Sleep is often underrated, but it’s one of the most crucial aspects of health. According to Shawn Stevenson, author of Sleep Smarter, sleep is the foundation for everything: weight management, mental clarity, emotional stability, and even relationships.
Stevenson explains that sleep is when your body performs essential tasks like repairing cells, balancing hormones, and consolidating memories. Without adequate sleep, you’re not just tired—you’re functioning at a fraction of your potential. I highly recommend his book Sleep Smarter if you’re looking to understand how to optimize your sleep.
One key takeaway from Stevenson’s work is the importance of deep sleep and REM sleep. Deep sleep is when your body repairs itself, while REM sleep is crucial for brain function and emotional regulation. The Oura Ring provides clear insights into these stages, helping you pinpoint what’s affecting your sleep and how to fix it.
How the Oura Ring Has Changed My Life
The Oura Ring has given me a deeper understanding of my body and how to take care of it. It’s helped me make changes like:
• Adjusting my bedtime to align with my natural circadian rhythm.
• Recognizing how evening habits (like screen time or late meals) impact my sleep.
• Learning to listen to my body when my Readiness Score suggests I need rest.
These small adjustments have made a huge difference in how I feel every day. I wake up energized, perform better, and recover more effectively.
Why I’ll Always Have an Oura Ring
This is my third Oura Ring, and I can’t imagine life without it. It’s not just a gadget—it’s a tool that empowers me to take control of my health. Whether it’s giving me insights into my recovery after a tough day or reminding me to prioritize sleep, the Oura Ring has become an indispensable part of my life.
If you’re serious about optimizing your health, I can’t recommend it enough. And if you want to dive deeper into the science of sleep, pick up Shawn Stevenson’s Sleep Smarter. Your future self will thank you.
Remember: health isn’t just one thing—it’s everything. Make it your top priority.
