Heart Rate Variability and Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults at High Altitude
Author Information
Author(s): Ye Xianglin, Liu Hao, Yang Haixia, Zhang Hongyang, Gong Meiting, Duan Zhen, Fu Yan, Xiong Shiqiang, Dan Xiaoping, Pei Haifeng
Primary Institution: The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
Hypothesis
How does acclimatization to a sub-plateau environment affect heart rate variability and sleep quality in healthy adults?
Conclusion
Acclimatization to the sub-plateau environment affects the autonomic nervous system, heart rate, and sleep in healthy adults, with de-acclimatization ameliorating these effects.
Supporting Evidence
- Heart rate variability decreased after 1 week at high altitude but increased after 3 months.
- Stable sleep duration decreased during acclimatization but improved after returning to lower altitude.
- Significant changes in heart rate were observed during acclimatization and de-acclimatization phases.
Takeaway
When people go to high places, their heart and sleep can change a lot, but coming back down helps them feel better again.
Methodology
The study involved 22 medical staff members who were monitored for heart rate variability and sleep patterns before and after moving to a high-altitude area.
Potential Biases
The study design may have inherent biases due to the self-controlled nature and the specific demographic of participants.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and limited age range, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
20 healthy adult medical staff members, 12 males and 8 females, ages 29 to 48 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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