Topics

  • Press Release

New WHOOP Research Finds Compelling Links Between Mental and Physical Health Outcomes

The research connects wearable-derived physiological data (like HRV, RHR and sleep consistency) with mental health outcomes (like stress, anxiety and depression). 

Boston, MA-  [June 23, 2025] — A groundbreaking new study from WHOOP, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, reveals compelling links between mental wellbeing and physiological signals tracked by WHOOP wearable technology. The findings validate what many have long suspected: our bodies and minds are deeply connected — and now, there’s data to prove it.

WHOOP researchers analyzed over 300,000 monthly mental health surveys from more than 170,000 members over a 13-month period, paired with an astonishing 7.9 million days of biometric data. The goal? To explore how physiological metrics such as sleep patterns, resting heart rate (RHR), and heart rate variability (HRV) relate to self-reported symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Key Takeaways: Your Physiology Reflects How You Feel

The study tracked three validated markers of mental health:

  • Stress (Perceived Stress Scale)
  • Anxiety (GAD-2)
  • Depression (PHQ-2)

These were compared to WHOOP metrics such as:

The findings were clear: members with higher HRV, lower RHR, and more consistent sleep patterns reported significantly lower symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Why Sleep Timing Matters

Beyond total hours of sleep, the consistency of sleep and wake times proved critical. Members who kept a regular bedtime and wake-up time experienced better mental health outcomes than those with irregular schedules regardless of how long they slept.

Recovery Scores: A Window into Mental Health

Two core WHOOP recovery metrics HRV and RHR showed strong alignment with mental wellbeing. Higher HRV and lower RHR correlated with better reports of mental health across users and within the same individuals over time, reinforcing their role as reliable indicators of stress and resilience.

Stress Leaves a Physiological Trace

The study also found that self-reported stress often preceded measurable changes in the body, including:

  • Elevated RHR
  • Reduced HRV
  • Irregular sleep timing

These shifts suggest that even subjective feelings of stress may predict disruptions in physiological balance — highlighting the potential of WHOOP to help members recognize and respond to early signs of mental strain.

Supporting Body and Mind: How WHOOP Helps

WHOOP isn't just about training harder-  it's about living better. With features designed to support holistic wellbeing, members can connect emotional and physical health through actionable insights:

  • Sleep Planner: Create healthy bedtime routines
  • Recovery Scores, HRV & RHR: Understand how your body responds to stress
  • Journal: Log mood, stress, and habits to discover personal patterns
  • Stress Monitor: Observe stress levels in real time
  • Weekly Plan: Set and track wellness goals

Whether you’re thriving or navigating a tough moment, WHOOP provides the tools to recognize trends, make small adjustments, and feel more in control of your overall health.

Start Listening to What Your Body Is Saying

This research reinforces our mission to unlock deeper self-awareness and empower members to care for both body and mind.

About WHOOP

WHOOP, the human performance company, offers a wearable health and fitness coach to help people achieve their goals. The WHOOP membership provides best-in-class wearable technology, actionable feedback, and recommendations across recovery, sleep, training, and health. WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG offer groundbreaking health innovations, including cardiovascular health features; Healthspan which quantifies Pace of Aging and provides members with their WHOOP Age; and first-of-its-kind wearable Blood Pressure Insights. WHOOP is the perfect health companion for anyone looking to optimize their health and performance. Founded in 2012, WHOOP is based in Boston and has raised more than $400 million in venture capital. WHOOP is available to ship in 56 markets worldwide and the WHOOP app is available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish (Latin America). WHOOP can be purchased on Amazon across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, as well as Best Buy (U.S.) Dick’s Sporting Goods (U.S.), Flipkart (India) and Virgin Megastore (GCC), and more.  

To learn more or start a one-month free trial, visit whoop.com and connect with WHOOP on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 

Contacts

press@whoop.com