What is Heart Rate Variability?
Heart rate variability is a measure of the variation in time between successive heartbeats. A higher HRV means your body is more adaptive and functioning well. Too few fluctuations (too low an HRV) indicate increased weariness, illness, or psychological stress.
Heart Rate Variability is mostly an indicator of certain health conditions such as; anxiety disorders; depression; regulation of emotions; chronic pain and recovery from exercise and can even affect our ability to fall asleep. Practicing meditation techniques like breathing slowly and deeply will help improve your HRV because reduced oxygen intake slows the heart rate while meditation reduces our level of arousal which results in alterations in the parasympathetic nervous system that would consequently reduce variations in consecutive RR intervals.
Heart Rate Variability and Sleep
Most individuals would find it hard to believe that the relationship between heart rate variability and sleep could be related to some variables that are common only among a small percentage of the general population. However, recent research has shown that there might be a link between the two. The study was carried out by the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Psychology. Choose the perfect comforter size 38” x 75” x 11” and 38” x 80” x 11” is good for sleep. The results of the study were published in the journal Sleep.
Most people would associate heart rate variability with the presence of arrhythmias or abnormalities of the heartbeat rhythms during sleep. Arrhythmias occur when the normal heartbeat frequency is altered due to environmental factors such as stress, anxiety, environmental temperature, or any number of other physical changes. When an individual experiences an arrhythmic illness, they will most likely experience altered levels of HRV or high and low-rial heart rate. If this occurs during REM sleep (the stage most essential for brain development and maintenance), the situation can turn out to be very serious.
In the study, the researchers have studied the relationship between heart rate variability and the level of sleepiness experienced by individuals who experience an arrhythmic illness. A particularly successful approach has been the use of a physiological profile called the “anatomic heart rate variability spectrum” or APRV. The APRV consists of the basic measurements of HRV, which are taken from the patient’s resting heart rate. The scientists also took into consideration the sleep-wake patterns of the patients. This is to find out how the relationship between heart rate variability and sleep could be influenced by the state of the patient’s autonomic cardiac arrhythmias.
Taking HRV Measurements
The human heart works differently from a traditional cardiovascular machine. When you exercise the heart pumps blood through the body which then triggers the vasoconstriction of the capillaries in the walls of the veins. This decreases the resistance and the heart has to work harder, leading to an increased level of blood oxygen in the body.
When you incorporate an HRV monitor you can accurately determine when you have better sleep, whether or not your heart rate variability is improving and if you’re having a better night of rest. By measuring your HRV during a good night of sleep, the HRV monitor will tell you how effective your exercise routine is. If it’s helping you sleep better, you’re on your way to having a better night of rest.
Certain medications can alter the autonomic nervous system or regulate it. Taking HRV measures can help people suffering from sleep disorders and heart problems. 193.04 X 203.2 X 27.94 and 152.4 X 203.2 X 27.94 scene this size of mattress is good for sleep.Some medications such as anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants may alter the normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system which can lead to sleep disorders. The body’s reaction to stress or anxiety can also alter the normal function of the cardiovascular system. Being able to monitor their heart rate or pulse variations can help someone who suffers from heart problems while sleeping.
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
You can keep your heart in very good condition by adopting a few good habits. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your heart. Not only does it increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke, but it can also lead to complications such as high blood pressure. Stopping smoking will help to keep your heart functioning correctly.
Limit Alcohol – Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to health problems, so you might want to limit your alcohol intake. If you know that you are going to be consuming a lot of alcohol, or that you will be drinking a lot at an event, then consider bringing along a breath test kit with you to determine how intoxicated you are. If you drink heavily, then you know that you need to do something to prevent yourself from suffering any long-term damage to your heart. How to keep your heart healthy by making sure that you do not drink too much.
Exercise-The type of exercise you choose to do will have a big effect on your heart. If you want to keep it working hard, then you will need to find an activity that you enjoy doing. Walking is a great way to get your heart rate up while at the same time helping to burn calories. Consider taking long walks around your neighborhood, taking a fitness walk with your friends, or enrolling in an aerobic class.
Good Sleep – Getting plenty of sleep is also important in maintaining your heart. You will want to find a schedule that works for you and one that you can stick to. Pillows also play an important role in sleep. So, for cleanliness, it’s important to know how to dry-wash pillows. There is no reason why you should not be getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Getting enough rest can help keep your heart from stiffening up and can reduce the amount of stress in your body as well.
Conclusion
Heart rate variability is your body’s ability to manage stress through the balance of its “sympathetic” and “parasympathetic” systems. Low heart rate variability means that your autonomic nervous system doesn’t work so well, indicating that you are more prone to chronic disease risk factors like hypertension, high blood sugar levels, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, and depression.