Quality of Sleep and Heart Rate Variability by Physical Activity in High School Students

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate quality of sleep and heart rate variability by the physical activity in high school students. METHODS: A survey that measures physical activity and quality of sleep was distributed to 118 students at Y High School. Heart rate variability was obtained using the LXC3203 heart rate monitor. The data of 105 students were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, x2-test, and ANOVA with Scheffe test. RESULTS: Boys and students with part-time jobs had significantly higher physical activity. The quality of sleep was significantly high when the students were non-smokers, felt healthy, happy, less stressed, and satisfied with their school lives. Mean heart rate was significantly higher among girls, and standard deviation from normal to normal R-R intervals were high in boys. Physical activity had no significant relationships with quality of sleep and heart rate variability. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity should be encouraged for high school students, especially for girls. An experimental study with different intensity and time of physical activity is recommended to examine the relationships with quality of sleep and heart rate variability in the future.