Sleep tracking is really interesting, but having to sleep with a huge watch isn't really appealing to me. Thinking about it, combining health tracking with a smart watch seems rather conflicted to me, they are mentally on the opposite sides of the health spectrum in my mind. One is suppose to help you, the other provides yet another way to keep you connected draining mental energy.
I really think there should be devices that track health data and then just sync data to a computer or phone a few times a day. I know the Oura ring exists, but that's a subscription and therefor not interesting.
My watch is a pivotal part of my ongoing health management. It doesn’t drain mental energy, it restores it and also means I now have less need for a phone which does have things that could serve as a distraction. The watch is now largely the only device I carry for that reason.
I suffer cognitive issues following severe health issues, the watch helps keep me on track with medication reminders and helpful pings to remind me of what I’m supposed to be doing/going to that day (drs appointments, scans, reminders to perform rehabilitation exercises etc). I can’t rely on my phone because it’s not guaranteed to be with me, but as long as I strap the watch on every morning (my partner reminds me first thing) I’m set for the day.
No YouTube, HN, web browsing etc, it’s far more functional for me as a life tool than a phone with a significantly larger scope for distraction and time wasting.
I really think there should be devices that track health data and then just sync data to a computer or phone a few times a day. I know the Oura ring exists, but that's a subscription and therefor not interesting.