Platform FAQ

If you have a new email address, or wish to change the email address associated with your Nye Health account, you can get your email address updated by contacting the Nye Health team. You can do this by clicking on the blue chat icon in the bottom right-hand corner of any screen of the Nye platform (when you are logged on), and then on the “messages” tab. You can also contact us at hello@nye.health. Please let us know your preferred email address; we’ll then update your account for you and all emails will go to this new address.

You can change your password easily through the Account Settings. Here’s how: Changing your password Please log in to the Nye Health app using your current password. Click on the “Account” tab. Click on “Change password”. Please enter a new password. The new password needs to be different to your previous four passwords (or current, second, or third passwords if you have not yet had four or more passwords). Your password must contain: At least eight characters Lower case letters (a-z) Upper case letters (A-Z) Numbers (0-9) If you’ve entered a new password that does not meet all of the above criteria, you will be asked to enter a different password. This is to ensure that your account and your data are secure. If you’ve entered a password that meets all of the above criteria, please select whether you wish to be logged out of all devices. If you choose to log out, this means that you will need to log back in by using your new password the next time you try to access the Nye Health platform on another device. Please click “Submit” to change your password. Finally, to re-authenticate your account, you will be asked to log back in by entering your email address and new password. If you have any problems, please email the Nye team at hello@nye.health.

No. The current systems used by the NHS only support patients who are registered with NHS England.

No, Nye Health has read-only access to your NHS data. We cannot amend or edit your records. If you need to update your information or have any questions about your data, please contact your GP.

Contact your GP and make sure your GP uses EMIS Web or TPP. If you're using a linkage key, ensure it's entered correctly. Contact Nye Health support if you continue to experience problems.

In order to see your medical records, you need to connect the platform to your NHS account. You can do this by using your NHS login if you already have one, or by using a Linkage Key, which you can obtain from your GP. Use the following steps to connect: Check eligibility: You must be living in England (or registered with NHS England), and your GP should be connected to either EMIS Web or TPP. Navigate to the “Medical History” page: This is under the “Track” tab within the Nye platform. Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click on “Unlock on my medical record.” NHS login: If you have an existing NHS login, you can use those credentials to connect. Linkage key: If you don't have an NHS login, contact your GP to obtain a linkage key. Your GP should provide you with a print-out of your Linkage Key and the details needed to access your account.

The Nye Health platform allows you to connect your digital NHS medical record, held by your GP and NHS doctors. This means you can view your medical records directly within the Nye platform, allowing you to access your healthcare information in one place.

Your data is securely transmitted and stored in accordance with NHS data protection standards. We are fully compliant with GDPR and certified with this years' DSPT (NHS' Data Security & Protection Toolkit). Specifically, Nye does not have access to your records, and no one at Nye can see your medical record. We simply provide a connection service. Your data is securely held by your GP and the NHS. This means that only you can see your data!

A linkage key is a unique code that allows you to connect your Nye Health account to your health record. If you don't have an NHS login, you can ask your GP for a linkage key to connect to the NHS electronic medical record. As long as you're registered with NHS England and your GP uses EMIS Web or TPP systems, they should be able to generate a print-out copy of your linkage key. They will hand you this print out which will contain the Linkage Key and any other details you will need to create your account and connect your medical record.

You can view the same information that you would see if you accessed your records directly through your GP's system. This is controlled entirely by what your GP and NHS doctors make available, and may include: Medications Allergies Vaccinations Test results Medical history

Data updates may take some time to appear in the Nye Health platform. Contact your GP to ensure your records are up to date on their system. Remember, we cannot access your medical record or make any changes to it- If you have any questions about your medical records, please contact your GP. Remember: Nye is a connection service, not a medical provider. Always consult your GP for any medical advice or concerns. If you are concerned about your medical health, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or 999 in case of an emergency.

The intimate connection between the heart and the brain is well described. HRV is known to be regulated by the prefrontal cortex (i.e., brain regions involved in the regulation of ANS activity). It is considered to indirectly reflect complex patterns of brain activation and provides information on the central nervous system (CNS) functional organization and the bidirectional interaction between the CNS and the ANS. There is substantial evidence that HRV is not only a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, but that also decreases in HRV have close associations with depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. On the other hand, high HRV is generally associated with a relaxed and resilient mental state.

Q. What is the heart rate measure? The heart rate measures the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is a useful metric for monitoring user fitness level and overall health. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute. Q: How can heart rate be used? A: The resting heart rate can be used as a first indicator of the body’s health state and mental health state. When a person experiences stress, the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to an increase in heart rate frequency. This is part of the body's natural response to preparing for action. When we experience stress due to high workload, the body will react equally. Chronic or prolonged stress can lead to sustained elevation of resting heart rate. If you frequently experience stress or have a high-stress lifestyle, your resting heart rate may be higher than average, even during periods of rest. By completing a health check/scan, your resting heart rate can be measured and compared to the population and/or your baseline (first) measure.

Q: What is respiration rate? A: Respiration rate, or breathing rate, is the number of breaths per minute while at rest. Breathing rates may increase with fever, illness and other medical conditions. Q: How can respiratory rate be used? A: The respiratory rate at rest is expected to be around 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Equal to the resting heart rate, an increased breathing frequency can be used as an indicator for stress or anxiety. Monitoring the respiratory rate can be a valuable biomarker in therapeutic and wellbeing practices/exercises. For instance, during meditation exercises, it is desirable to achieve a low breathing frequency between 6 to 12 breaths per minute (relaxation). By consistently practicing and training to maintain a lower resting breathing frequency, individuals can enhance their resilience to stress. Moreover, a lower resting respiratory rate not only aids in stress management but also promotes better sleep quality.

Heart Rate Variability, or HRV for short, is a non-invasive measure of your autonomic nervous system, which is the body’s main control center. It is widely considered as one of the best objective metrics for physical fitness and determining your body’s readiness to perform. HRV is literally the variance in time between the beats (NN interval) of your heart. Heart rate variability (HRV) can be derived from a ECG or PPG signal. A commonly used statistical metric for representing short-time HRV (over a time duration of the order of 10s to 1 min) is the Standard Deviation of NN intervals (SDNN).

The software makes use of photoplethysmography (PPG), an optical method to measure cardiac-synchronous blood volume change in body extremities such as the face, fingers and earlobes. As the heart pumps blood, the volume of blood in the arteries and capillaries changes by a small amount in sync with the cardiac cycle. This change in blood volume in the arteries and capillaries underneath the skin leads to small changes in the skin colour (visible in the Red/Green/Blue spectrum), from which a PPG waveform is estimated. Traditionally, the PPG signal is captured using a device (e.g. pulse oximeter) that emits light and measures the amount of light that is absorbed or reflected by the tissue. In our approach, we use ambient light from the environment (the light source) and the camera from a smart device (the sensor) to measure the ‘remote’-PPG. The face serves as the region of interest due to its thin tissue and optimal blood perfusion.

Q: What is the resonant breathing score? A: Resonant breathing is the practice of slowing down one’s rate of breathing to about six breaths per minute. The average rate at which humans breathe is between 12–20 breaths per minute. By breathing at six breaths per minute, one naturally increases the variation in time between heartbeats (i.e. heart rate variability). This can lead to what studies have called “Respiratory Coupling” in which a person’s heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory system sync up and can positively impact the body. The Resonant Breathing Score indicates whether you are breathing at your resonant frequency or not. This is the ideal metric to provide a quantitative insight during breathing exercises or other stress-relief exercises. Q: How can the resonant breathing score be used? A: Numerous studies have confirmed that breathing at six breaths per minute induces cardiorespiratory coupling, where the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration synchronize synergistically. This technique is highly beneficial for achieving a state of rest and relaxation in both mind and body. One effective method to achieve this is through resonance breathing exercises, involving visualization of a 5-second inhale and 5-second exhale, following a fixed time frame. However, a challenge arises in determining the appropriate duration for these exercises and verifying the activation of cardiorespiratory coupling, as it may vary among individuals. To address this, the resonant breathing score was developed to guide individuals objectively towards the optimal point where resonant breathing becomes effective.

Q: What is a morning readiness score? A: The software uses key biomarker metrics to quantify your ability to face greater challenges or the need for recovery and rest during that day. The Morning Readiness Score helps you to recover in a more efficient way based on your body’s cumulative stress load and recovery status. Q: How can the morning readiness score be used? A: This metric offers valuable insights into emotional well-being in the morning. It can help you understand when you are ready for peak performance or when you need to focus on rest and recovery. It can also be used to measure sleep quality, providing a comprehensive understanding of overall well-being. The morning readiness feature is commonly used to assess sleep quality, aiding in improving sleep patterns and measuring the effectiveness of sleep therapy. By tracking progress and analysing therapy impact, both the duration and quality of the therapy can be optimized.

Q: What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance? A: The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Balance indicates the relative balance between the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), indicating the balance between recovery and physiological stress (both physical and mental). The ANS is responsible for regulating many of the body’s involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It also plays a role in emotional self-control and executive functioning. It’s also responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response that is triggered in times of stress. Because of this, the autonomic nervous system can be easily overloaded, resulting in a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems. Knowing the relative balance of the ANS helps the user better understand the current state of the body and determine the best course of action towards reaching certain goals without working against yourself. Q: How can ANS balance be used? A: Our overall wellbeing and feeling of mental resilience is generally regulated by our ANS. Many studies show a good correlation between an ANS balance shift towards SNS and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mental health issues. Understanding the balance of the ANS holds significant therapeutic benefits, allowing for tailored wellbeing interventions aimed at restoring this balance. By doing so, a more personalized and effective feedback mechanism can be achieved. Furthermore, individuals facing elevated or chronic mental health challenges may encounter difficulties in reducing the SNS activity and require additional active training or support. Addressing these nuances can substantially enhance the overall efficiency of therapy.

Q: What is the acute mental stress score? A: The Acute Mental Stress Score (AMSS) is a powerful metric to quantify your acute mental stress status, using key biomarker and facial micro expression metrics. Q: How can the acute mental stress score be used? A: This unique all-in-one biomarker can accurately assess your stress load, providing information about your capacity to cope with stress. It serves as a valuable indicator to detect you are potentially heading towards burnout or chronic stress. For a comprehensive evaluation of mental fitness, utilize this metric in combination with the morning readiness score.

Q: What do I need for the health check? A: In order to complete a health check/scan, you will need: If using a desktop or laptop computer: you will need an external webcam or inbuilt camera. If using a smartphone or tablet: you will need to use the inbuilt front-facing camera. Q: Why is my web browser asking for permission to use my camera? A: Websites and web applications like the one you are currently using need your permission to access your camera so they can transmit video from your device. This is a security feature to protect your privacy. Q: How do I give my web browser permission to access my camera? A: The steps vary slightly depending on your browser and device, but here's the general process: Prompt: When a website or app first requests access to your camera, a pop-up or notification will appear. This prompt usually provides options like "Allow," "Block," or "Ask again later." Allow Access: To grant permission, click or tap "Allow." In some cases, you might be able to choose to allow access only for that specific session or permanently. Check Browser Settings: If you don't see the prompt or want to manage existing permissions: Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Camera. Here, you can see which sites have been allowed or blocked and change permissions. Firefox: Click the padlock icon next to the website address > Permissions > Use the Camera. Choose "Allow" or "Ask." Safari: Go to Preferences > Websites > Camera. Select the website and choose "Allow" or "Deny." Q: What if I accidentally blocked camera access? You can usually change the permission in your browser settings. Follow the steps above to locate the camera permissions section and change the setting for the website or app in question. Q: Is it safe to allow access to my camera? A: It is safe for you to allow access to your camera. Your camera will only be accessed at the point at which you choose to complete a health check/scan. Once the health check has been completed, your camera cannot be accessed. Q: Why isn't my camera working even after I granted permission? A: There could be a few reasons: Other Apps: Another application might be using your camera. Close any other programs that might be accessing it. Hardware Issues: Check that your camera is connected and functioning properly. Browser Issues: Try restarting your browser or clearing your browser cache. Device Settings: Ensure your operating system's camera settings are allowing browser access

Q: What is Mental Health Risk measure? A: The Mental Health Risk marker is a unique holistic approach to assess the risk of an individual to develop a mental health condition or issue over time. A mental health condition is characterized by a relevant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour. Mental Health Risk is calculated using a combination of machine learning informed by selected heart rate variability metrics, facial micro expression patterns and context-based reasoning over time. This metric enables you to check whether your risk of mental health conditions is low, medium, or high compared to your first baseline measure. The mental health risk is a clinically-validated biomarker benchmarked to questionnaires to assess the mental health status of the individual in terms of physiological stress and anxiety (PHQ-9, GAD-7, CSAI-2). Please note: the Mental Health Risk is not a diagnostic measure and not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis.

Q: What are biomarkers, and how are they tracked? A: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes within your body. Examples include heart rate variability (HRV), sleep patterns, body temperature, and blood pressure. These can be tracked using wearable devices, smartphone apps, or dedicated health monitors. Q: Can tracked biomarkers diagnose medical conditions? A: No, recorded biomarkers are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis. They can provide valuable insights into your health and well-being, but should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical conditions. Q: How should I interpret the data from my biomarker tracking devices? A: Consider your tracked data as information to share with your healthcare provider. They have the expertise to interpret the results in the context of your overall health, medical history, and other relevant factors. Q: What are the benefits of tracking biomarkers? A: Biomarker tracking can: Raise Awareness: Help you become more aware of your body's signals and responses. Identify Trends: Reveal patterns related to stress, sleep, and other lifestyle factors. Motivate Healthy Changes: Encourage you to make positive changes to your lifestyle based on the data. Facilitate Communication: Provide valuable information to discuss with your healthcare provider. Q: When should I consult a healthcare professional regarding my tracked biomarkers? A: Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health or if you notice significant changes in your tracked biomarkers. They can provide personalised advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans based on your specific situation. Important note: Remember, biomarker tracking is a tool to supplement, not replace, professional medical advice. Use the data responsibly and always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns. Q: Why is my Mental Health Risk not displaying on the Track page? A: To calculate your Mental Health Risk, you need to perform two health scans a week for three weeks. This is because the machine learning model has been trained to make a prediction based on a trend over time. If your Mental Health Risk is not displaying, it is likely that not enough health scans have been performed yet.