rest period vs respite

rest period and respite both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
rest period	Yes	No	No	No
respite	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, rest period and respite are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of rest period include relief, rest.

rest period (noun)	respite (noun)
a pause for relaxation	a pause from doing something (as work)
	the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
	an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
	a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
	a pause for relaxation

rest period (verb)	respite (verb)
	postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution