How to import wearable data from a CSV
Updated
Short answer
BiomarkerHQ reads a daily CSV with a header row and one row per day. It recognises columns for the date, HRV, resting heart rate, sleep and skin temperature from their headers, shows a preview with the columns it found and any warnings, and saves nothing until you confirm.
The format
One row per day, with a header row. The file needs a date column and at least one of HRV, resting heart rate, sleep duration and skin temperature. Columns are matched by their header names, the delimiter (comma, semicolon or tab) is detected, and several date formats are understood.
| Data | Example headers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Date, Day, Summary date | The first matching column is used |
| HRV | HRV RMSSD (ms), rMSSD, SDNN | Put RMSSD or SDNN in the header. A plain HRV header is read as RMSSD, with a warning |
| Resting heart rate | Resting heart rate (bpm), RHR, Resting HR | Beats per minute |
| Sleep duration | Sleep duration (hours), Total sleep (minutes) | Hours, minutes or seconds, taken from the header. A header with no unit is flagged |
| Skin temperature | Skin temperature (C), Skin temperature (F) | An absolute temperature. Fahrenheit is converted |
| Temperature deviation | Temperature deviation (C), Skin temperature deviation (F) | A deviation from your own baseline. Kept apart from absolute temperature |
Where the data comes from
Most wearable apps and accounts can export your data as CSV or JSON files. The steps differ by brand and change over time, so use the brand's own help pages to find the export. A file with different column names is fine as long as the headers say what each column is. You can also build a file by hand in a spreadsheet and save it as CSV.
Apple Health exports a large XML file rather than a daily CSV. It has to be converted to a daily file first, with a column per metric. Apple's heart rate variability is SDNN, so put SDNN in that column's header so it is not mistaken for RMSSD.
Importing the file
- Open the dashboard and go to the Wearables tab.
- Choose the CSV file. It is read in your browser and is not uploaded.
- Check the preview: the columns that were found, how many days will be imported, and any warnings, such as a value that was skipped because it was outside a plausible range.
- Confirm. The daily values are then saved in your browser, or in your account if you are signed in and have agreed to saving data there.
A sample CSV shows the layout.
How the values are kept
- HRV methods stay apart. RMSSD and SDNN are separate columns and separate series, never merged. See HRV: RMSSD vs SDNN.
- Temperature kinds stay apart. Absolute skin temperature and deviation are separate series. See skin temperature: absolute vs deviation.
- A re-import replaces a day completely. Importing a day again replaces that day's values, so a corrected file fixes earlier mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Which devices work with CSV import?
Any device or app that can give you a daily file with a date and at least one of HRV, resting heart rate, sleep duration or skin temperature. Product names belong to their owners, and BiomarkerHQ is not affiliated with them.
Is my CSV file uploaded?
No. The file is read in your browser. Only the daily values you confirm are saved, and they stay in your browser unless you sign in and agree to saving data to your account.
Why does the preview warn that my HRV column does not say which method it uses?
RMSSD and SDNN are different measures. If the header says neither, the reader assumes RMSSD. If your data is SDNN, for example from Apple Health, put SDNN in the header so it is stored as SDNN.
What happens to a value that looks wrong?
Values outside a plausible range are skipped and listed in the preview, so you can fix the file and import again.
Related
Keep your results in one place
The dashboard works without an account and keeps your data in your browser unless you sign in.