Core body temperature changes before sleep are associated with nocturnal heart rate variability

This study investigated how changes in core body temperature (CBT) before sleep relate to nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of cardiac health, in poor sleepers. It found that individuals with a slower decline in CBT before sleep had higher heart rates and lower HRV during the night, reflecting reduced parasympathetic activity. This suggests that inefficient presleep thermoregulation may impair sleep quality and cardiovascular recovery, emphasizing the link between temperature regulation and brain and heart health.

To enhance sleep quality and cardiac recovery, promote presleep cooling by maintaining a cool bedroom, using breathable bedding, and avoiding heavy meals or exercise before bed. These strategies align with findings, though further research is needed to establish causation and generalize results to broader populations.