Respiratory Rate (Coming Soon)

Description

Respiratory Rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. Wearables most reliably estimate it during sleep, when breathing is more regular. For most people, the key value is how stable the metric is—and whether it drifts above your usual baseline.

Why it matters

A sustained rise in overnight respiratory rate can be an early signal of physiologic stress (illness, inflammation, alcohol, heavy training load, altitude). In contrast, a stable respiratory rate night-to-night often indicates steady recovery.

Common reasons it increases

• Respiratory infections or fever

• Alcohol (especially later drinking)

• Overreaching / heavy training without recovery

• High altitude or nasal congestion

• Anxiety/stress (in some people)

• Underlying respiratory conditions (context dependent)

How to use it (practical)

Treat changes as a “check engine light,” not a diagnosis. Pair it with resting heart rate, HRV, temperature deviation, and how you feel. If multiple recovery signals worsen together, consider reducing intensity and prioritizing sleep/hydration.

Educational only, not medical advice. If shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or persistently abnormal readings occur, seek medical evaluation.