Watch the FULL podcast here: https://youtu.be/bj0-zUDFkxc

Worried that your HRV looks “low” on your wearable? I ask what a low HRV actually means, why different devices produce different numbers, and when a change is worth paying attention to.

This clip explores how to interpret heart rate variability without getting lost in the daily noise. We discuss why HRV is a legitimate health metric with decades of research behind it, yet the absolute score is not comparable across devices or people because different technologies use different calculations. I’m taking a closer look at establishing a personal baseline over 21–30 days, why a four-day rolling view can reduce anxiety, and why consistent shifts over seven or more days matter more than one-off dips. We cover the role of genetics (around 20 percent of HRV), how lifestyle often explains age-related changes, and sex differences including a dip in the 40–50 window likely linked to menopause that later rebounds in the dataset referenced. You’ll also hear why stability can reflect resilience, why big swings can be a red flag even when the number is “high,” and how resting heart rate and overnight respiratory rate fit into the bigger picture. I share my own readings (HRV around 10–13 on one device, resting heart rate at 45) and experiences using No Watch, Oura, and Eight Sleep, plus a mention of devices commonly used for HRV. As a nutritionist and health communicator, I focus on practical takeaways: use one device consistently, track trends, and avoid cross-device comparisons.

***

This episode is sponsored by: NOWATCH: Health tracking reimaginedKnow your body, trust yourself.15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com

***

Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

***

Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah

🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin

📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition

💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

A task is a noun plus a verb

Before Breakfast

Task definition: verb + noun

The AI-powered Podcast Player