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Polar's new fitness watch analyzes your recovery when sleeping

The $230 Polar Ignite coaches you based on how well you rest.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Scott Stein
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Polar

There aren't that many fitness watches that try to really fold sleep into the equation when it comes to coaching guidance. Can the $230 Polar Ignite answer the call?

Polar's intriguing new sleep tracking system, called Nightly Recharge, calculates a Sleep Score for overall sleep quality, but also measures ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) recovery by calculating heart rate variability, heart rate and breathing. Both measurements combined determine how Polar's fitness app calculates the intensity level your next day's workouts should be at.

Then, a coaching system called FitSpark claims to advise on training regimens based on what your Nightly Recharge results are. According to Tom Fowler, president of Polar USA, it could be possible that you'd get a good Sleep Score but not score well on ANS recovery, and as a result, your body may not feel as well recovered.

Compared to Polar's larger ultra-long-life GPS watches, the Vantage V and M, the Ignite is a lot slimmer, and has normal-feeling watch straps. It's also meant to be worn all the time, especially while sleeping.

The Ignite battery life should last about 17 hours with GPS and heart rate tracking on, or five days of tracking without GPS. I haven't worn the Ignite yet to test its claims out.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.