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The relationship between sleep and autonomic health
Michael D Oliver1, Debora R Baldwin1, Subimal Datta1,2
1Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|March 12, 2019
Summary
This study found that sleep quality and efficiency are linked to autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in college students. Improving ANS activity may enhance sleep quality.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Sleep Science
- Cardiology
Background:
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation is crucial for physiological homeostasis.
- Sleep disturbances are prevalent among college students and impact overall health.
- Understanding the interplay between sleep and ANS functioning is vital for student well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sleep characteristics and resting autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning.
- To explore how sleep quality, latency, and efficiency relate to ANS markers like skin conductance and heart rate variability.
- To identify potential targets for interventions aimed at improving sleep in college students.
Main Methods:
- 141 undergraduate students completed self-report sleep inventories.
- Resting state skin conductance (SC) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured.
- Statistical analyses examined correlations between sleep variables and ANS functioning.
Main Results:
- Skin conductance positively correlated with sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep medication use.
- The standard deviation of the normal-normal interval (SDNN) negatively associated with time to fall asleep.
- Sleep efficiency showed a negative correlation with low-frequency HRV.
Conclusions:
- Specific sleep components are significantly associated with resting ANS activity in college students.
- Findings suggest that interventions targeting ANS functioning could potentially improve sleep quality.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these associations.
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