Temperature Deviation
Temperature Deviation is the difference between current body temperature and an established personal baseline, measured at a consistent body location (typically peripheral—finger, wrist, or skin surface). The metric reports how much warmer or cooler the body is compared to typical values, usually expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit from baseline. Temperature deviation captures relative changes rather than absolute body temperature.
Typical Adult Ranges
°C from baselineBased on population studies. Individual needs vary by age and health status.
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Key Takeaways
Represents temperature change relative to personal baseline.
Elevation may indicate illness, ovulatory cycle phase, or environmental factors.
Measured at finger, not core body temperature.
Personal baseline established over multiple nights.
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How It's Measured
Oura measures temperature using a thermistor on the inside of the ring that contacts the finger.
Common Influences
Illness and fever: Immune response elevates temperature, often before other symptoms appear.
Deep Dive
Temperature Deviation represents how current temperature compares to the personal baseline. It indicates whether the body is running warmer or cooler than usual during the measurement period (typically overnight sleep).
A useful framing is that temperature deviation tracks change from normal. Rather than reporting absolute temperature (which varies by measurement location and individual physiology), the metric highlights when temperature differs meaningfully from what is typical for that person. Deviations may signal physiological changes worth noting.
Body temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus and fluctuates with circadian rhythm, activity, hormonal cycles, illness, and environmental conditions. Core temperature follows a predictable daily pattern: lowest in early morning hours, highest in late afternoon.
Peripheral temperature (measured at finger or skin) reflects both core temperature and local blood flow. During sleep, peripheral temperature rises as blood flow to extremities increases for heat dissipation.
Elevation above baseline may indicate immune response (fever), hormonal changes (menstrual cycle phase), or elevated metabolic rate. Depression below baseline may indicate cool sleeping environment, vasoconstriction, or other factors affecting peripheral temperature.