This study investigates the relationship between heart rate variability and sleep stages in healthy individuals and patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep stages, defined by EEG patterns, follow a structured cycle including light, deep, and REM sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts this cycle, leading to sleep fragmentation. The research reveals that during deep sleep, heart rate variability decreases, while during REM sleep, long-range heart rate correlations, similar to wakefulness, are observed. Despite sleep apnea-induced fragmentation, the fundamental mechanisms of heart rate regulation tied to sleep stages remain unchanged, suggesting distinct brain systems control sleep stages and wakefulness.
Heart rate dynamics reveal strong interaction between sleep stages and autonomic nervous system in sleep apnea patients
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