Watches, apps and AI: do they measure recovery?
Many watches and apps claim to measure sleep and recovery: how long you sleep, how long you spend in deep sleep, how “ready” you are to train. Behind them are algorithms that estimate all that from motion and heart-rate sensors.
They are useful for spotting trends: if for several weeks you sleep less or your resting pulse rises, that is a sign to look into. But they are estimates, not clinical measurements, and one bad night means nothing.
A common risk is becoming obsessed with the number. If a young player worries because the app says he slept badly, the effect can be worse than the lack of sleep itself.
For minors, data also needs care: who sees it, where it is stored and whether it can be deleted. For any persistent sleep or tiredness problem, the advisable thing is to consult a health professional.