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01-01-2009 | Original Article

Effects of low ambient temperature on heart rate variability during sleep in humans

Authors: Kazue Okamoto-Mizuno, Kazuyo Tsuzuki, Koh Mizuno, Yasushi Ohshiro

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

The effects of cold exposure on heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep were examined. Eight male subjects slept under three different conditions: 3°C, 50–80% relative humidity (RH) [3]; 10°C, 50% RH [10]; and 17°C 50% RH [17]. No significant differences were observed in HRV during rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and wakefulness. The ratio of the low frequency (LF) to high frequency component (HF) of HRV (LF/HF) significantly differed among the conditions during stage 2 and slow wave sleep (SWS) that decreased as the ambient temperature decreased. The normalized LF [LF/(LF + HF)] significantly decreased in 3 and 10 than in 17 during SWS. In low ambient temperature, predominant cardiac parasympathetic activity during stage 2 with no significant difference during REM and wakefulness may cause variations in HRV at transition from stage 2 to REM and wakefulness. These results may partly explain the peak in adverse cardiac events during winter.

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Title: Effects of low ambient temperature on heart rate variability during sleep in humans
Authors: Kazue Okamoto-Mizuno
Kazuyo Tsuzuki
Koh Mizuno
Yasushi Ohshiro
Publication date: 01-01-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0889-1

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Effects of low ambient temperature on heart rate variability during sleep in humans

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