The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Heart Rate Variability in Shift Nurses

Background: There is inconsistency in heart rate variability (HRV) reported among shift workers. We aim to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on HRV in shift work nurses. Methods: Fifty one healthy female nurses participated in this study. HRV was evaluated at 9 a.m. in two successive days before and after shift work at 24 hours following the initial HRV evaluation. The Power Lab 26T (ADInstruments, Australia) was used to record ECG was. Analysis of signals was performed using the MLS310/7 HRV Module of Lab Chart® software. Results: Compared to baseline, shift work resulted in significant decrease in high frequency, total power, SDNN, and pNN50, with concomitant increase in low frequency/high frequency ratio. Conclusions: Sleep deprivation can disrupt the autonomic control of heart rhythm and predispose to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.