Age difference in heart rate changes associated with micro-arousals in humans

Objectives: Heart rate (HR) is known to change in association to micro-arousals (MA) during sleep. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of age on HR variations associated with MA. Methods: Thirty-two healthy subjects underwent one night of polysomnographic recording. They were divided into two groups of 16 subjects according to age i.e. young (20–35 years) and middle-aged (50–65 years). The R-R intervals were calculated for 11 heart beats (10 intervals) before and 15 heart beats after the onset of MA. Results: HR changes associated with MA were characterized by a tachycardia followed by a bradycardia in both young- and middle-aged subjects. However, middle-aged subjects showed a significant reduction in the amplitude of both tachycardia and bradycardia as compared to young subjects. Conclusions: This study revealed an age-related reduction in the amplitude of the HR changes associated with MA. These results may reflect a decline in parasympathetic functions and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases with advancing age.