Restless Periods
Restless Periods is a count of distinct movement episodes detected during a sleep period. These represent intervals when the accelerometer registered motion significant enough to exceed detection thresholds but not necessarily sufficient to constitute a full awakening. The metric captures physical restlessness during sleep—body movements, position shifts, and limb activity. Restless Periods differs from scored wake time; movement may occur without the person waking to conscious awareness.
Typical Adult Ranges
count per nightBased on population studies. Individual needs vary by age and health status.
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Key Takeaways
Represents count of detected movement events during sleep.
Higher counts indicate more physical restlessness.
Movement during sleep is normal; excessive movement may fragment sleep.
Counts depend on algorithm thresholds; personal trends are most informative.
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How It's Measured
Oura detects restless periods using its accelerometer, which registers motion in three dimensions.
Common Influences
Sleep environment: Uncomfortable bedding, temperature extremes, or noise may increase movement.
Deep Dive
Restless Periods represents the frequency of detected movement events during sleep. Higher counts indicate more physical activity during the sleep period; lower counts indicate more motionless sleep.
A useful framing is that restlessness reflects motor stability during sleep. Movement during sleep is normal—most people shift position multiple times per night as part of normal sleep. Frequent or intense movement can fragment sleep architecture by triggering micro-arousals, even without conscious waking. The metric counts events; it does not assess their intensity, duration, or sleep impact.
Sleep is not perfectly motionless. Position shifts occur naturally, typically during transitions between sleep stages or cycles. These movements involve transient motor activation that allows repositioning before muscle inhibition resumes.
Excessive restlessness may reflect factors that disrupt sleep stability: discomfort, environmental disturbances, respiratory events, or periodic limb movements. The motor activity itself may trigger cortical arousals that fragment sleep without producing conscious waking. The relationship between movement counts and sleep quality is associative; many factors contribute.