If you use a smart watch or ring, you’ve probably noticed that certain metrics change based on your daily choices. But have you taken a look at how your sleep is impacting your health metrics?
When it comes to your sleep, the better your sleep, the better your heart health metrics. In this guide from the experts at GEM SLEEP we’ll take a look at two metrics in particular.
Heart Rate Metrics for Peak Health and Body Function
You may have heard from your doctor that heart rate is a critical indicator of overall health and body function. Maintaining a healthy resting heart rate (RHR) and a maximum heart rate (MHR) are crucial for longevity and cardiovascular fitness.
Resting Heart Rate (RHR)
Resting heart rate measures how many times your heart beats per minute when you are relaxed. A lower RHR generally signifies better cardiovascular health.
Maximum Heart Rate (MHR)
Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) refers to the highest heartbeats per minute during intense physical activity, estimated using MHR = 220 – age.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart Rate Metrics
RHR Impact
People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea have disrupted breathing during sleep, causing oxygen deprivation and stress on their cardiovascular system. This can elevate RHR as the heart compensates for reduced oxygen levels.
MHR Impact
Untreated sleep apnea can impact MHR by putting stress on your cardiovascular function, hindering your heart’s ability to reach high heart rates during exercise.
The Effects of Sleep Apnea Treatment on RHR and MHR
When you choose to effectively treat your sleep apnea, often with a CPAP machine, it improves oxygen intake during sleep. Over time, this will reduce stress on your heart and lower your RHR. It can also reduce cardiovascular strain and potentially improve your MHR over time.
In fact, GEM SLEEP’s founder Brian saw his RHR go from the low 80s to the low 60s in his first week on CPAP.
Regular monitoring of RHR and MHR with a smart watch or ring is helpful to assess your treatment’s effectiveness. Many patients see improvements in their tracked health data within just seven days of starting treatment.
CPAP Treatment and Your Heart Rate Metrics
While starting CPAP treatment can feel like a big change, it’s reassuring to know that the benefits of CPAP treatment aren’t solely reserved for the distant future. From a lowered resting heart rate to waking up more refreshed, these early signs can serve as encouraging milestones on your journey.
As you navigate your first week with CPAP and see the benefits you discover, share with us in our GEM SLEEP Facebook Community. If you have questions, your GEM SLEEP coach is always available to help you out.
Today’s the day to change your life.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only. Sleep apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep test must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
Disclaimer: If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, sleep apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep test. A sleep test must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in sleep medicine.GEM SLEEP is focused on treatment and support of obstructive sleep apnea, not other sleep conditions.
