What does that recovery score on your smartwatch actually mean?

More and more Dutch people are starting their day with their smartwatch. According to a report by Het Parool, about 6 million people do this to check their recovery score. This score is supposed to indicate how well you rested the previous night.
But what does that number actually mean? Is it a reliable indication of how rested you are? Het Parool questions the meaning of these numbers. The score is calculated based on various factors, such as heart rate variability and movement, but scientifically, its reliability is not always proven.
Still, many people say they are influenced by it. Some adjust their daily routine based on the score. Het Parool advises taking the results with a grain of salt.
This report is a summary based on the mentioned source and is not medical advice. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any complaints.