Recent leaks have confirmed Garmin’s upcoming Index Sleep Monitor, a dedicated sleep-tracking band. A brief promotional video (now removed) appeared on one of Garmin’s regional channels, and sites like Gadgets & Wearables and TechRadar snagged screenshots.
These images show the Index Sleep Monitor being worn on the upper arm during sleep, giving us our first official look at Garmin’s new sleep sensor.
Notably, Garmin itself posted (and quickly pulled) the preview clip, meaning the leak essentially came from Garmin’s own team.
Early reports describe the device as a slim, Velcro-fastened armband that replaces your watch at night for more accurate sleep data.
Upper-Arm Design & Wearability
It has no display or buttons – instead, a small pod containing Garmin’s optical sensor tucks into a pocket on the band’s inner side.
This design lets users remove bulky watches before bed. The pod’s thickness causes a slight bulge in the strap, suggesting it’s a few millimeters thick.
Because the band wraps snugly around the arm, Garmin expects it to capture heart rate more stably (with less motion artifact) than a wrist-worn device.
In short, the Index Sleep is a screenless, wearable-only-at-night device that complements your daytime Garmin watch.
Sensors and Charging
Leaked photos confirm the pod uses Garmin’s Elevate Gen 5 optical sensor (the same chip in many recent Garmin watches). The pod includes a proprietary Garmin charging connector, identical to that used on straps like the HRM-600.
Next to the port is a tiny circular hole – likely an ambient light sensor. (This may help the device detect when it’s covered or dark, possibly to assist with sleep timing.)
Overall, the hardware strongly resembles a miniaturized HR strap pod: LEDs and photodiodes face your skin, enclosed in a case that snaps into the fabric band.
Monitored Sleep Metrics
The Garmin Index Sleep is built for advanced sleep tracking. It will continuously record these key metrics during the night:
- Heart rate (optical)
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
- Heart-rate variability (HRV)
- Skin temperature
- Breathing variation (respiration rate)
These are exactly the kinds of data Garmin’s higher-end devices capture, but now focused on sleep. In particular, “breathing variation” suggests Garmin is pushing toward sleep apnea detection.
All of this data will feed into Garmin Connect, giving a detailed overnight report – much more detailed than a typical wristwatch sleep log.
Connectivity and Smart Alarm
The Index Sleep is not a standalone gadget: it pairs with Garmin’s ecosystem. It syncs via the Garmin Connect app (using Garmin’s TrueUp data sharing) just like a Garmin watch.
In practice, you wear your Garmin watch during the day and switch to the Index Sleep band at night. After you wake up, the band sends its data to Connect, and your watch (if in range) will display the sleep summary from the band.
Importantly, the band includes Garmin’s vibrating smart alarm feature. Leaked screenshots and reports confirm a vibration motor to wake you gently during a light sleep phase. Because it vibrates silently, it won’t disturb anyone else.
Battery life is estimated at a week per charge – shorter than most multi-sport Garmin watches, but ample for a dedicated night-time tracker. (Garmin notes that many of its watches last longer, so users must trade battery life for potentially better sleep data.)
Positioning and Release Outlook
Garmin is positioning the Index Sleep as a sleep-only accessory, not a full fitness band. It does not count steps or record workouts; its sole purpose is sleep and recovery tracking.
As one report notes, “It’s not meant to replace your watch, but to complement it”. Because of this focus, it isn’t exactly a direct Whoop competitor: unlike Whoop or an Oura ring, it won’t handle daytime activities or continuous all-day monitoring. Instead, it targets Garmin users who want the most accurate night-time data.
So far Garmin hasn’t officially announced a launch date. Leaks indicate a likely price of around €170 (roughly $200).
Analysts expect the Index Sleep Monitor to arrive soon – possibly within the next few months. Given the completeness of the leaked marketing materials, a summer 2025 release seems plausible.
In the meantime, the Index Sleep offers a glimpse of Garmin’s new “sleep band” strategy: offloading the night-time tracking from your watch into a dedicated, upper-arm wearable for potentially better accuracy.
source –Gadgets & Wearables and TechRadar
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