Skin temperature
Night-time skin temperature against your own usual level.
Not core temperature
Skin runs cooler than the body's core and shifts with the room, bedding and blood flow.
How trackers read it
A small thermistor on the underside of the ring or watch logs readings overnight.
Fever needs a thermometer
The NHS says a high temperature is usually 38C or above, measured with a thermometer.
NHS
Testing
Oura published its own validation against a research-grade sensor (iButton); it is not peer reviewed.
Oura
How it is shown
- Trackers show a deviation from your own baseline, not an absolute temperature.
- Readings are affected by room temperature and fit.
Using the trend
- Look for a run of nights above or below your own baseline.
- Oura says high body temperatures may be a sign of stress on the body.
- If a raised reading comes with feeling hot or shivery, take your temperature with a thermometer.
Source: Oura
Body temperature
- The NHS says normal body temperature differs between people and changes during the day.
- It says you may have a high temperature if you feel hot, cold or shivery, even below 38C on a thermometer.
Source: NHS
Questions
- Is skin temperature the same as body temperature?
- No. Skin temperature is lower and varies with the room. Trackers show change from your own baseline.
- Can my ring tell me I have a fever?
- Use a thermometer. The NHS says a high temperature is usually 38C or above.
Sources
When to get advice: The NHS advises an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 if a high temperature is not improving with home care, or is getting worse.
Cheapest trackers that measure it
- 1
- 3 years
- £84
- Price
- £84
- Subscription
- Optional
- 2
- 3 years
- £84.99
- Price
- £84.99
- Subscription
- Optional
- 3
- 3 years
- £119
- Price
- £119
- Subscription
- Optional
- 4
- 3 years
- £129.90
- Price
- £129.90
- Subscription
- Optional
- 5
- 3 years
- £139.99
- Price
- £139.99
- Subscription
- Optional
- Resting heart rate
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Sleep stages and deep sleep
- Blood oxygen (SpO2)
- VO2 max
- Respiratory rate
- Readiness and recovery scores
- Steps
Readings are not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111. How we earn.