Thesis
Investigating the impact of nighttime noise exposure on parasympathetic modulation of the heart during sleep and its impact on cardiovascular disease risk
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010728
Abstract
Noise pollution, particularly nighttime noise, poses a growing threat to public health, significantly elevating the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) through mechanisms involving sleep disruption and autonomic imbalance. Despite efforts to mitigate noise exposure, the health implications remain under-researched compared to other environmental pollutants. This study investigates the impact of nighttime noise exposure on high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), an indicator of parasympathetic modulation of the heart, during sleep, and explores its relationship to CVD risk in a socio-demographically diverse adult population. Fifteen healthy adults (aged 21-50) participated in a within-subjects study involving two conditions: a control noise-free night (CTRL) and a night exposed to 120 aviation noise events (AN). Cardiovascular function was measured using electrocardiography (ECG) to assess HF-HRV during sleep and wakefulness. Sleep architecture was derived from electroencephalography (EEG) data. Statistical analyses revealed that AN significantly reduced sleep duration, with participants averaging 6.44 hours on AN nights compared to 7.04 hours on CTRL nights. There was a significant negative correlation between age and sleep duration on CTRL nights (r = -0.69). HRV metrics showed no significant differences between AN and CTRL nights, though individual variability suggests some may be more susceptible to noise effects. Moreover, participants experienced progressively shorter sleep durations as the study advanced due to a potential cumulative discomfort in the laboratory setting. No relationship was found between HF-HRV measured during sleep and wakefulness, suggesting distinct mechanisms of noise during these states. Given the small sample size and short duration of the project, future research should involve longer studies with larger and more diverse participant groups. Additionally, exploring interventions like earplugs and noise-canceling devices will help in the development of effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of noise pollution on sleep.
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Details
- Title
- Investigating the impact of nighttime noise exposure on parasympathetic modulation of the heart during sleep and its impact on cardiovascular disease risk
- Creators
- Nadine Nascimento Poole
- Contributors
- Christopher W. Jones (Advisor) - University of Pennsylvania
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 40 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biology; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021965771304721