Disconnection Between Self-Reported Wellbeing and Heart Rate Variability from Wearables

TL;DR

This study found that self-reported feelings like stress or energy do not always match heart rate variability measured by wearables.

Contribution

It highlights a disconnection between subjective wellbeing and objective biometric data from wearables.

Findings

Self-reported stress and nervousness showed no significant association with heart rate variability.

Feeling energized was linked to lower heart rate variability.

Subjective feelings may not align with wearable biometric data for readiness assessments.

Abstract

Study Objective: To assess the association between daily self-reported emotional and mental readiness and their association with overnight resting heart rate variability. Methods: Participants included 21 males (32 ± 7 years) and 18 females (28 ± 4 years). Activity tracker data were collected for three months, measuring heart rate variability, resting heart rate, sleep time, sleep efficiency, bed/wake times, steps counted, and daily self-reported caffeine use, alcohol use, hydration, feelings on stress, illness, motivation, energy, nervousness, emotional stability, and recovery. Results: Self-reported stress and nervousness did not have an association with heart rate variability (Stressed HRV 63.5 ± 0.6 vs. Not Stressed HRV 63.1 ± 0.5 ms, p = 0.63) and (Nervous HRV 62.9 ± 0.9 vs. Not Nervous HRV 63.7 ± 0.4 ms, p = 0.41). Self-reported feelings of being energized had a negative association with heart rate variability (Energized HRV 64.1 ± 0.4 vs. Not Energized 66.9 ± 0.8 ms, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Subjective feelings of readiness may not correspond to activity tracker biometrics and should be taken into consideration when calculating readiness scores and providing personalized recommendations based on HRV. Caution should be taken when using HRV-based recommendations to guide a user’s health and wellness journey.