Vagus nerve stimulation is known to increase HRV, which is known as heart rate variability. This is a measure of the state of your nervous system. The higher your HRV, the higher parasympathetic activity your nervous system is producing. The lower your HRV, the more sympathetic (fight or flight) activity your nervous system is producing.
To effectively measure the impact of VeRelief on HRV, it is important to use the right measurement protocol.
There are only two HRV sensors we recommend using when measuring HRV: the Polar H10 chest strap and the Scosche Rhythm 24 wrist strap. These HRV sensors are able to measure your HRV in real time and allow you to take short measurements of your HRV in the moment, so you can see the state of your nervous system at any moment in time.
Other HRV sensors like Oura Ring or Whoop only measure long term average HRV, primarily throughout the night while you sleep. It is important to understand that using VeRelief will not have a significant impact on long term average HRV. It primarily affects short term HRV immediately after you use VeRelief, so you should only take HRV measurements right after using VeRelief.
Short Term Measurements
Use the Polar H10 or Scosche Rhythm HRV monitor to take a 5 minute baseline HRV reading. You can use an app like HRV Logger or Elite HRV to take a measurement.
Once you take a measurement, then use the VeRelief device for 10 minutes.
After using VeRelief for 10 minutes, take another 5 minute HRV reading and compare the before and after HRV readings.
Your HRV may not change every single time you use VeRelief. This is because HRV is dependent on a variety of factors, such as breathing rate, whether you are standing or sitting, and the immediate environment you are in.
For the most accurate results, take your measurements in a quiet environment while sitting down.
Long Term Measurements
If you want to measure the impact of VeRelief on HRV, the only way to do this is to use VeRelief right before bed and checking your morning HRV reading using the Oura Ring or Whoop band. Using VeRelief in the morning and then checking your evening average HRV will not properly show you the impact of VeRelief on HRV.
Monitoring HRV is not a simple process. If you have any questions about HRV, you can contact Dr. Nick Hool at nick@hoolest.com to discuss your goals with HRV.