The Basics: Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate not only helps you gauge the performance of your respiratory system, but it can be a main driver of your sleep and recovery quality.
What is respiratory rate?
Respiratory rate, abbreviated as RR, is a measure of the number of breaths taken in one minute. It is a fundamental physiological parameter that reflects the efficiency of your respiratory system in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. To measure respiratory rate, the Apple Watch leverages its optical heart rate sensor and accelerometer. This provides Bevel with an accurate and effective measurement of your RR.
Why respiratory rate is important
Specifically, monitoring respiratory rate (RR) can provide valuable insights into health components like sleep, stress, and recovery. Here are a few reasons why Bevel uses RR as an input for your Sleep Score and Recovery Score:
- Assessment of Sleep Quality: RR tracking, especially during sleep, can provide insights into your sleep quality. Elevated RR during sleep may indicate sleep disturbances, which can disrupt the restorative stages of sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.
- Stress and Anxiety Management: RR can be influenced by emotional factors, and monitoring it can help you identify patterns related to stress and anxiety. By recognizing these patterns, you can work on stress management techniques and seek support when necessary.
- Holistic Health Assessment and Recovery: RR data, when combined with other health metrics like heart rate, activity levels, and sleep stages, offers a more comprehensive view of your overall health. This holistic approach can inform your recovery strategies and help you stay in tune with your health.
- Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: By tracking RR, you can gain insights into how environmental factors, such as room temperature and air quality, affect your respiratory health. This knowledge can help you make adjustments to create a more conducive sleeping environment.
What is considered a normal respiratory rate?
For most adults, a typical RR falls between 12 to 20 breaths per minute during sleep and does not change much day to day. This rate indicates that your respiratory system is functioning optimally, and your body is getting the oxygen it needs without any unnecessary strain.
It's important to note that children and athletes may have slightly lower RR values, typically around 12-16 breaths per minute, due to their higher cardiovascular fitness. On the other hand, older individuals might have a slightly elevated RR, often closer to the upper limit of 20 breaths per minute.
While these ranges provide a general guideline, it's crucial to remember that normal RR values can vary from person to person. What's most vital is tracking your own RR over time to establish a baseline and identify any significant deviations from your personal norm.
