#1049 - Dr Jay Wiles - A Masterclass in Improving Your HRV

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is explored as a non-invasive measure of nervous system adaptation, resilience, and flexibility. Dr. Jay Wiles clarifies that HRV isn't a singular metric but a compilation, reflecting the autonomic nervous system's response to internal and external cues. Challenging common misconceptions, the discussion emphasizes that a high HRV isn't universally good; stability over time, relative to an individual's baseline, is more indicative of nervous system adaptability. Non-modifiable factors such as age, genetics and sex differences influence HRV, while modifiable factors include cardiorespiratory fitness and stress load. Resonance breathing, aligning respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure, emerges as a potent tool for both immediate state changes and long-term trait changes in nervous system regulation.