Circadian Variation of Heart Rate Variability Across Sleep Stages

• DOI: 10.5665/sleep.3230
• Publication Date: 2013-11-26T20:19:39Z
• Authors: Philippe Boudreau; Wei-Hsien Yeh; Guy A. Dumont; Diane B. Boivin
• Keywords: Free-running sleep; Sleep; Sleep Stages

Nocturnal cardiovascular events are more frequent at the beginning and end of night. It was proposed that this pattern reflects nocturnal distribution sleep stages. Using heart rate variability (HRV), we recently showed an interaction between circadian system vigilance states on regulation cardiac rhythmicity. Here, further investigate in order to clarify specific effects stages heart. Participants underwent a 72-h ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure time isolation consisting alternating 60-min wake episodes dim light nap opportunities total darkness. Time suite. Fifteen healthy young participants; two were subsequently excluded. N/A. The current study revealed onset progression deeper associated with shift toward greater parasympathetic modulation, whereas rapid eye movement (REM) sympathetic modulation. We found rhythm (HR) high-frequency power during wakefulness all non-REM A significant HR sympathovagal balance also observed REM sleep. During slow wave sleep, maximal modulation ~02:00, occurred early morning. stage-specific clinically relevant contribute understanding degree vulnerability