I have listened to the “9 Ways to Improve Your HRV” podcast and have been trying to use that information to improve mine. I’m currently tracking using a Garmin Fenix 7 (Sapphire Solar). I’m 37 years old, have been riding recreationally off and on since 2014 and took up structured training and racing in the past 4 years. I didn’t do much riding or racing last year due to two bouts of pleurisy. Coming back into this year and having tracked my HRV for a while, it seems low. I’m currently at a seven day average of 37 and overnight averages in the low 40’s. I do suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea and I’m wondering if that could be contributing to my lower HRV? I have found a few studies and tried reading, but they were a bit over my head. I’m getting around 8 hours of sleep on average and I feel pretty well rested when I wake up and haven’t had a lack of energy to complete workouts. Thanks in advance!
Your HRV seems low, but there can be lots of factors at play. I’m not an expert by any means.
I’m 47 and ride quite a bit recreationally. I have Hashimoto’s Disease and suffered from a pulmonary embolism about 3 years ago that has left severe scarring all throughout the veins in my legs and lungs. My HRV can vary from the low 40s up to the high 60s during a week.
I’m wondering if the two bouts of pleurisy last year combined with sleep apnea are contributing to lower HRV for you. From what I read, sleep apnea will definitely have a negative impact on your HRV, especially if the sleep apnea is particularly bad and untreated. I’m guessing you’ve seen a doctor about the sleep apnea? If so, and you haven’t had treatment or further testing, it might be a good next step to see another doctor for a second opinion. HRV isn’t the one number to rule them all, but it might be an indicator that something is a bit off for you.