Latest news with #StephanMuller
Arabian Business
18-07-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
WHOOP wants to slow time – and the Gulf is listening
In the Middle East, wellness is no longer about routines. It's about metrics. Health in the region has become a numbers game – measured in stress thresholds, hormonal trends, and, increasingly, physiological age. Clinics track everything from gut biome to glucose levels. Corporate executives wear rings, wristbands, and patches that claim to measure sleep quality and cognitive load. It is a market built not just on aspiration but on data. So it's fitting that WHOOP, the wearable once known for tracking elite athletes, is positioning itself at the centre of the Gulf's billion-dollar well-being economy. 'My name is Stephan Muller. I'm the Director for WHOOP in the Middle East,' he says. 'Unlocking human performance has always been in our DNA. It's something that's extremely important to us. But we're so pleased that we're now focusing additionally on healthspan.' WHOOP tracks health, not just fitness That shift has a name: WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG. These aren't your average smartbands. They're built not just to track your workouts, but to act as mini-diagnostics labs on your wrist. 'We've come out with new hardware that includes things like heart screening, blood pressure insights, insights to your hormones and a few more other things that we can talk about,' says Muller. It sounds clinical because it is. WHOOP MG is the company's first medical-grade wearable. Designed to surface insights typically reserved for hospital settings, it can monitor everything from cardiovascular strain to long-term hormonal health. The headline feature? WHOOP Age. 'It shows you the pace at which you're aging. For example, I'm 35. My WHOOP Age is currently 30, which is great. But it's also because I'm putting in the effort into working out, eating healthy, sleeping well, etc. That number can change very, very quickly depending on my lifestyle.' Ageing, in this context, is not a passive process. It's a daily fluctuation. One day of sleep deprivation or poor eating habits can tilt the balance. WHOOP doesn't just track your health – it reflects back the cost of your lifestyle decisions in stark, sometimes uncomfortable terms. 'If I'm going through a stressful period, if I'm not eating well, if I'm having, you know, short nights of sleep, I will increase and accelerate my pace of aging very quickly. And it's measured by nine different metrics that we measure on ongoing basis at WHOOP,' says Muller. This isn't just tech; it's behavioural psychology embedded in design. By creating a tight feedback loop between your actions and your health score, WHOOP turns wellness into a measurable, gamified discipline. And the company is reengineering its business model to support it. 'It was one membership option for everyone. Now we have three membership options. We want to make sure that we are as customised and personalised to the needs of our members,' Muller explains. 'We have One, Peak and Life.' One gives you the fundamentals. It's targeted at those who want core performance data without the clinical detail. Peak offers more advanced performance insights, including recovery patterns, sleep cycles, and strain metrics. Life – the top tier – adds the hardware ridges that double as a 30-second heart screener. 'It's something that we found extremely important to include. And I'm actually wearing the top tier on this – you'll see these ridges here on the side. Effectively, what you do is you'll hold on to that for about 30 seconds when you have your WHOOP app open, and it'll give you your heart screener within that 30-second period.' It doesn't stop there. Blood pressure readings are now continuous, provided you calibrate with three cuff-based measurements. That level of constant, passive monitoring is what elevates WHOOP from a lifestyle device to a preventative health tool. 'It gives you your estimated blood pressure on a consistent basis,' says Muller. 'One important thing to note, though is that in order to get the most accurate insights possible, you do need to provide three readings with the cuff. At first, you upload those insights onto the WHOOP app, and then from that moment onwards, it can accurately read your blood pressure on ongoing basis.' In many ways, WHOOP reflects a broader shift in how people engage with healthcare: less reactive, more predictive. The platform isn't just used for peak performance anymore. It's targeting professionals, frequent travellers, parents – anyone whose life feels like an endurance sport. 'I think with our entry into healthspan and coming up with a medical-grade device, I think we're targeting a much broader audience. I think a lot more people are going to benefit from WHOOP that maybe weren't as attracted to it or as spoken to before.' Gulf leads in wellness innovation That broader audience is already emerging across the Gulf. From Saudi's AI hospitals to Dubai's biohacking clinics, the region is racing ahead of the global curve on health innovation. The UAE alone has announced multiple national strategies tied to well-being, digital health, and AI-enabled diagnostics. WHOOP fits seamlessly into this narrative. Not just because of its hardware, but because of the mindset it represents: one where individuals take responsibility for their biology. WHOOP is convinced that this mindset shift is permanent. And now, with a battery that lasts longer than ever, it's doubling down on that opportunity. 'It's a really exciting time for us. We also have a much longer battery life, which is something that might seem small for certain people, but if you're a WHOOP member at this point, it's something that's really exciting for a lot of people as well.' In a market focused on peak performance, WHOOP isn't just selling a wearable. It's offering a second chance at time. And for a region investing so heavily in longevity, prevention, and optimisation, it may be exactly the kind of device the future demands.
Khaleej Times
11-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan in UAE: Less sleep can cause lack of concentration, accidents, experts say
Loss of sleep during Ramadan could cause several health issues including lack of concentration and even cause accidents, according to experts. One doctor explained that many people suffer from insufficient sleep syndrome during the month. 'What people are suffering from Ramadan is mostly insufficient sleep syndrome,' said Dr. Mutaz Labib, Consultant Pulmonary and Critical Care Disease and head of Sleep Lab at Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital. 'They wake up late and have sleep disruption during the month. So, in the morning, they suffer symptoms like lack of concentration, memory problems, fatigue, tiredness, laziness and urge to nap during the daytime.' He added that previous studies have shown that loss of sleep could contribute to causing accidents as people tend to fall asleep at the wheel. Many of those who fast during Ramadan, often wake up before dawn to eat the pre-fasting meal called Suhoor. Factors like special nightly Tharaweeh prayers and family gatherings often contribute to the lack of sleep among UAE residents. Data from 2024 Wearable company Whoop said that their 2024 data showed a drop in sleep performance and recovery scores during the month of Ramadan as compared to the previous month. A recovery score tells how ready the body is to handle stress each day. 'Good sleep is the key to recovery and performing well,' said Stephan Muller, the company's GCC Marketing Director. 'Changes in daily routines during Ramadan, such as later bedtimes and early mornings, affected Whoop members' sleep patterns with data showing they slept fewer hours and experienced less consistent sleep, likely playing a role in lower recovery scores.' He added that during Ramadan, recovery scores were also impacted by changes in eating, drinking, and sleep routines making it harder for the body to restore and recharge. However, he added that the strain recorded for Whoop users was lower during Ramadan as compared to the pre-Ramadan period. "Strain measures how much effort your body puts in throughout the day,' he said. 'During Ramadan, people naturally took it easier — likely adjusting workouts and daily movement to match changes in eating and sleep schedules." Warning signs Dr. Mutaz said that people should watch out for warning signs which could be caused as a result of lack of sleep. 'If you have snoring, and especially loud snoring, that's a big sign it could be something that needs attention,' he said. 'Most of our clients are brought in by their wives because if you sleep alone, no one knows whether you're snoring or not. So that is a task on partners.' He added that the tendency to have excessive daytime napping should also be taken seriously. 'When you have excessive daytime sleepiness or tiredness, you must go and see a specialist,' he said. 'During a sleep study, we attach electrodes to the brain and heart. We also attach an EMG line to measure the muscle activity overnight and place sensors in the nose and mouth to check breathing. So sleep study is really a health test. It can discover a lot of things.'
Emirates Woman
06-02-2025
- Health
- Emirates Woman
WHOOP GCC Marketing Director gives a full low-down on sleep for peak performance
WHOOP GCC Marketing Director, Stephan Muller, deep dives into data to give a full low-down on sleep and discusses the importance of better shuteye for peak performance. What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I'm a very routine focused person so my mornings typically look very similar. I wake up at 6am, hydrate with electrolytes and check my sleep data on WHOOP. I'll head to the gym, get a workout in and get into the ice bath and sauna. I'll refuel with a protein shake, have a black coffee, plan out my day in detail, and then get to work! What are the first tell-tale signs of sleep deprivation? The first signs of sleep deprivation often include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and irritability. You might also notice increased cravings for sugary or high-carb foods, reduced motivation, and slower reaction times. Over time, even small amounts of sleep loss can affect your energy, memory, and overall performance. What data metrics does WHOOP track to measure a 'successful sleep' and how accurate is it? WHOOP tracks several key metrics to measure sleep quality and its impact on recovery. These include sleep duration, sleep performance (sleep duration versus sleep needed), sleep consistency and disturbances, sleep stages (awake, light, deep, and REM), among other key metrics. The WHOOP Sleep Score synthesizes these key indicators to provide a clear picture of how well your sleep supports your body's recovery and performance. Additionally, metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR), and respiratory rate offer insights into how restor- ative your sleep was for both physical and mental health. Accuracy is supported by our proprietary algorithm, validated through third-party studies. Beyond this, WHOOP offers personalised and actionable insights, empowering members to optimise their sleep habits for better health and performance. For example, the Sleep Planner function offers daily optimal sleep recommendations based on recent activity and performance. WHOOP was purposely-built for sleep. Are there any region-specific findings by WHOOP on sleep patterns and deprivation? Annually we release the WHOOP Year in Review data based on our global member data to provide an overview of key trends and statistics across fitness, recovery and sleep performance. The 2024 findings for the GCC, and in particular the UAE and KSA, reveal a significant sleep deficit. Sharing key findings below: ∙ GCC cities dominate the list for the least sleep overall, with Sharjah, Doha Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Dubai ranking as the top six cities with the lowest overall sleep globally. Meanwhile, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Dubai have the lowest sleep performance score. ∙ YIR data seems to suggest a correlation between late-night culture, sleep performance and stress levels: Countries with the latest average bedtimes–Kuwait (2:20am), Saudi (2:19am), and Qatar (1:47am)–also report the latest wake times. Cities in these countries like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Sharjah, which have some of the latest bedtimes, rank among the top six cities globally for the least sleep. Riyadh and Jeddah are the most stressed cities globally, suggesting that the combination of late-night culture and insufficient sleep may contribute to both low sleep performance and higher stress levels. ∙ The UAE ranks third lowest globally in sleep performance, with an average score of 74 per cent, following Singapore (73 per cent) and India (71 per cent). Sharjah, Jeddah, and Dubai top the global list for lowest sleep performance. ∙ The UAE stands out for having the highest REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep percentage rank, suggesting that when members in the UAE do sleep, they spend a significant amount of time in restorative sleep which can still have positive effects on mental clarity and recovery, despite shorter or less frequent sleep durations. How important is sleep in terms of maintaining a healthy regime? Sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy regime, it fuels recovery, supports peak performance, and impacts overall wellbeing. As fitness trends prioritise recovery-first approaches, sleep has shifted from an afterthought to the foundation of optimal performance and overall health. WHOOP members already use data to identify how habits like late workouts, caffeine consumption, and irregular bedtimes affect sleep, energy levels and recovery. With wearable tech making sleep fitness more accessible, this focus on sleep as a performance driver is only set to grow. What lifestyle choices should we be incorporating to improve this? Improving sleep starts with small, intentional lifestyle adjustments. Consistency is key – establishing a regular bedtime and wake-up routine helps regulate your body's internal clock. Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, limiting late-night screen time, and creating a sleep-friendly environment – like a cool, dark, and quiet room – can significantly enhance sleep quality. Stress management and mindfulness are also emerging as critical pillars of health, directly influencing sleep quality and overall recovery. WHOOP helps users monitor stress levels through metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and recovery scores, empowering them to understand how habits impact resilience and readiness. In high-stress regions like the GCC, where WHOOP member data reveals cities like Riyadh and Jeddah rank among the most stressed globally, taking time for mindful moments of rest to reset and connect can prove invaluable. Tracking sleep and stress levels through wearable technology combined with healthy habits can help provide an accessible and holistic approach to overall well-being. What elements of the bedroom are key for a good night's sleep? For good sleep hygiene: 1. Darken your room with blackout curtains for optimal sleep quality. 2. Limit screen time 30 minutes before sleep to promote faster sleep onset. 3. Use blue light glasses up to three hours before bed to prevent screens from delaying melatonin release, the hormone that helps you sleep. 4. Reduce caffeine intake, especially after lunch, and opt for warm milk or herbal tea. 5. Use your bed exclusively for sleep to train your body for quicker sleep initiation. 6. Refrain from alcohol at least three hours before sleeping to prevent disruptions in REM sleep. 7. Yoga, stretching or meditation, 10-15 minutes of gentle movement can help calm your mind and heart preparing you for bed. 8. Set your bedroom temperature to between 15-19 degrees Celsius (60-67 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing your body temperature to drop which is part of the natural process of falling asleep. WHOOP GCC Marketing Director, Stephan Muller What is your attitude to sleep – a pleasure or more of a necessity? It's a combination of both. I truly enjoy a good night's sleep, but I'm also deeply aware of the importance of high-quality sleep for my recovery, energy and clarity the next day. I've always prioritised sleep and it's the best decision I've made for my health. This is The Tranquility Issue – what habits, tools, and mindset do you use for an inner sense of calm? I'm a big believer in going to sleep with a clear and calm mind. It doesn't just help me go to sleep quicker, but also get better quality sleep. The three habits that help me with this sense of calm are: 1. Disconnect from anything that can over stimulate my mind – mainly work; 2. A 20-minute meditation where I breathe deeply, sit with my thoughts, reflect on my day, and ease into a relaxed state; 3. I like using calming incense that signals to my body and mind that it's time to wind down. 'The combination of late-night culture and insufficient sleep may contribute to both low sleep performance and higher stress levels' – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram February's – The Tranquility Issue – Download Now Images: Supplied
