What is it? The scientists at Innovative Sleep Solutions have launched a new and improved version of their successful Sleeptracker watch. Essentially, Sleeptracker Pro is a watch with an alarm, but what differentiates it from all other timepieces is that it decides when you should wake up. It offers more flexibility, style and features than its predecessor.
How does it work? The Sleeptracker Pro analyses your sleep patterns, the peaks and troughs your body experiences during the hours of shut eye, and decides upon the best time to rouse you. Sleep patterns vary from person to person and from night to night due to factors such as age, health and whether we drink or exercise. A sensor in the watch picks up on these patterns and an option allows the device to wake us when we are sleeping lightly, avoiding grogginess.
How is this one different from the original? The first thing you'll notice about the Sleeptracker Pro is the design, which drags its predecessor in from a 1980s time warp. Stylish in metal and tan, water resistant with a powerful background illumination, the Pro has a vibrate mode that means you don't wake your bed buddy. You can record your sleep patterns for 12 hours (the standard model recorded for eight hours and had a smaller alarm window) then plug the watch into your computer to find out how you slept, your heart rate and cycle history.
Might I wake too late? The watch has a regular alarm, which serves as a safety net if the device loses contact with your skin and can't predict a light-sleep period. The alarm window can be set to wake you as close to your ideal time as possible.
Who's it good for? Travellers who are trying to overcome jetlag or who need to nap between functions or meetings.
What does it cost? Sleeptracker Pro is available for US$179 at www. sleeptracker.com.