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Apple Health metrics › Respiratory Rate
Respiratory Rate on Apple Watch and iPhone
How many breaths you take per minute, recorded while you sleep.
Where to find itHealth app > Browse > Respiratory > Respiratory Rate
What it is
Respiratory rate is a quiet vital sign. It tends to be very stable night to night, so a jump can be an early hint of illness or strain.
How Apple measures it
Apple Watch estimates it from tiny wrist movements during sleep and logs a nightly value.
What's a normal range?
Resting adults typically breathe 12 to 20 times per minute. Sleep values are often a little lower, around 12 to 18.
What moves it
- Fever or respiratory infection
- Altitude
- Alcohol or late meals
- Sleep apnea or congestion
- Intense evening exercise
See Respiratory Rate next to your other vitals
Apple Health keeps this number several taps deep. OnlyVitals puts the metrics you pick, including Respiratory Rate, on a single dashboard so you can read them at a glance. Everything stays on your device.
One screen for the health numbers you care about.
Get OnlyVitals on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
What is a normal respiratory rate during sleep?
Roughly 12 to 18 breaths per minute for most adults. Your nightly baseline is the thing to track.
Why did my respiratory rate go up?
Illness, congestion, alcohol and heat are common reasons. If it stays raised with symptoms, check with a clinician.
Related metrics
This page is general information, not medical advice. Ranges vary by age, sex, fitness and device. Talk to a clinician about anything that worries you.