Valid vs. Vanity Metrics
Clinically Useful Data
Heart Rate Variability
Strong correlation with recovery quality.
Resting Heart Rate
Nighttime average indicates stress levels.
Questionable Measurements
Sleep Stage Accuracy
Consumer devices often misclassify stages.
Absolute Sleep Score
Proprietary algorithms lack transparency.
Smart Tracking Strategies
Data Interpretation
Trend Analysis
Weekly patterns more valuable than nightly.
Personal Baselines
Compare to your norms, not population.
Actionable Correlation
Lifestyle Experiments
Test one variable at a time for clarity.
Subjective Validation
Combine with morning energy journal.