Sleep is a restorative process, so it makes sense that your heart rate declines during sleep. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, although very active people may have resting heart rates from 40 to 50 beats per minute. During sleep, your heart rate should drop to the low end of your normal range. For example, if your normal daytime resting heart rate is between 70 and 85 beats per minute, you should expect to see a sleeping heart rate of 70 to 75 beats per minute, or even slower.
However, it's important to note that during REM sleep, your heart rate may speed up as your brain becomes more active. Nevertheless, it still shouldn't surpass your normal daytime heart rate. If your heart rate doesn't decrease during sleep or rises above your daytime resting heart rate, it could be a sign of a medical or psychological condition, such as anxiety or atrial fibrillation, and you should consider consulting a sleep doctor.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Heart rate during REM sleep | May vary and speed up to a rate similar to when you are awake |
Heart rate during non-REM sleep | Cycles down and reaches its lowest levels |
Average adult heart rate during sleep | 50-75 beats per minute |
What You'll Learn
- During REM sleep, heart rate can increase to a similar level as when awake
- A healthy adult's heart rate during sleep is usually between 50 and 75 bpm
- A resting heart rate of under 50 bpm or over 100 bpm may be a cause for concern
- A sleeping heart rate of under 40 bpm or over 100 bpm is abnormal for adults
- Exercise can help to lower your resting heart rate
During REM sleep, heart rate can increase to a similar level as when awake
During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and the heart rate can increase to a level similar to that when awake. This is because the heart rate reflects the activity level of the dreamer. For example, if the dream involves running or is particularly scary, the heart rate will increase as if the person were awake and experiencing those things.
REM sleep is also known as "dreaming sleep", and it is when most dreaming occurs. During REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly, and the brain is highly active, similar to when a person is awake. This is in contrast to non-REM sleep, which makes up about 80% of the night and is characterised by a decrease in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
While a normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm), a normal heart rate during sleep is between 40 and 50 bpm. However, during REM sleep, the heart rate can speed up to a level similar to that when the person is awake. This is considered normal, but researchers believe that the surge in activity during REM sleep could explain why vulnerable people often experience heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in the early morning, when more time is spent in REM sleep.
The heart rate during sleep can be influenced by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, sleep behaviours, and pregnancy. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can also impact the sleeping heart rate. Overall, exercise, weight management, and good sleep hygiene can positively affect sleeping heart rate.
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A healthy adult's heart rate during sleep is usually between 50 and 75 bpm
A healthy adult's heart rate during sleep is usually between 50 and 75 beats per minute (bpm). This is lower than the average resting heart rate of 60 to 100 bpm for most adults.
During sleep, the stimulation of your nervous system is reduced, and your body processes slow down. Within about five minutes of falling asleep, your heart rate slows to its resting rate as you enter light sleep. Your body temperature drops, and your muscles relax.
During the next phase, deep sleep, your blood pressure falls, and your heart rate slows to 20–30% below your resting heart rate. In the final phase, REM sleep, your heart rate can vary. If you're having a scary dream or one that involves activity, your heart rate rises as if you were awake.
Your heart rate during sleep can be influenced by several factors, including age, weight, genetics, physical activity, and other health conditions. Generally, as people age, their resting heart rate stays the same unless they are taking medications that slow their heart rate, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
Additionally, high heart rates during sleep may be indicative of medical or psychological conditions, including anxiety or atrial fibrillation. If your heart rate doesn't decline during sleep or increases beyond your daytime resting heart rate, it is recommended to consult a sleep doctor.
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A resting heart rate of under 50 bpm or over 100 bpm may be a cause for concern
Bradycardia is the name given to a slow heart rate, defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute (bpm). While bradycardia can occur without causing any harmful effects, particularly in physically active people, it can sometimes be dangerous if the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Symptoms of bradycardia include shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and irritability or other personality changes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
In adults, a normal resting heart rate is generally considered to be between 60 and 100 bpm. However, this range can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, genetics, physical activity levels, and other health conditions. For example, athletes and physically fit individuals may have resting heart rates as low as 30 to 50 bpm.
During sleep, it is normal for a person's heart rate to slow down to between 40 and 50 bpm. Heart rate also changes as a person cycles through the different stages of sleep. During light sleep, the heart rate slows down, reaching its lowest levels during deep sleep. During REM sleep, the heart rate may speed up to a level similar to when a person is awake, especially if the dream involves activity or is emotionally intense.
Several factors can influence heart rate during sleep. High sleeping heart rates have been linked to longer sleep onset, lower sleep quality, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, nightmares, and waking up frequently during the night can all contribute to a higher sleeping heart rate. Additionally, certain medications, substances, and medical conditions can impact sleeping heart rate.
On the other hand, lower heart rates during sleep can be indicative of a healthier heart, as seen in athletes. However, a consistently low heart rate can also be a cause for concern, especially in older adults or those with a sedentary lifestyle. It may be a sign of underlying health conditions such as heart disease, rheumatic fever, Lyme disease, or sleep apnea.
Monitoring your heart rate during sleep can help detect irregularities and improve overall health and sleep quality. If you have concerns about your heart rate or it seems abnormal, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if an underlying condition is contributing to your heart rate and suggest appropriate treatment options, lifestyle changes, or medication adjustments.
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A sleeping heart rate of under 40 bpm or over 100 bpm is abnormal for adults
A sleeping heart rate of under 40 bpm or over 100 bpm for adults is considered abnormal.
During sleep, a person's heart rate slows down to between 40 and 50 bpm, which is lower than the typical resting heart rate of 60 to 100 bpm. However, the heart rate can vary depending on the stage of sleep. During non-REM sleep, the heart rate and blood pressure decrease, reaching their lowest levels during deep sleep. In contrast, during REM sleep, the heart rate can speed up, sometimes reaching levels similar to when the person is awake. This is because the heart rate reflects the activity level of the dream. If the person is having an active or scary dream, their heart rate will increase accordingly.
Several factors can influence an individual's sleeping heart rate, including age, weight, genetics, physical activity levels, and other health conditions. For example, athletes and physically fit individuals typically have lower resting heart rates, sometimes as low as 30 bpm. Additionally, children tend to have higher resting heart rates than adults, and pregnant individuals may experience increased heart rates due to the increased blood volume needed to support the placenta and fetus.
It is important to monitor your sleeping heart rate as it can be an indicator of overall health. Abnormal heart rates during sleep, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or chest pain, may be a sign of an underlying health condition and should be discussed with a medical professional.
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Exercise can help to lower your resting heart rate
Regular exercise can cause a reduction in resting heart rate (RHR). Endurance training, such as running or cycling, has the most significant impact on lowering RHR, followed by yoga. Strength training and combined endurance and strength training can also lead to a decrease in RHR, although the effect is less pronounced. Overall, exercise—especially endurance training and yoga—decreases RHR, which may contribute to a reduction in all-cause mortality.
The usual range for resting heart rate is anywhere between 60 and 90 bpm for adults, although this can vary depending on age, gender, weight, genetics, physical activity level, and other health conditions. For example, adults with high fitness levels can have a resting heart rate below 60 bpm, while elite athletes may have a resting heart rate below 40 bpm. On the other hand, an elevated resting heart rate of 80 bpm or higher can indicate increased cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality risk, especially if it rises above 90 bpm.
During sleep, the heart rate typically slows down to between 40 and 50 bpm for adults, although this can vary depending on various factors. The heart rate is generally lower during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is when the heart gets to rest and recover. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the heart rate can speed up, especially if the dream involves physical activity or is emotionally intense.
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Frequently asked questions
The normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, genetics, physical activity levels, and other health conditions.
During REM sleep, also known as dreaming sleep, the heart rate can vary depending on the activity level occurring in the dream. If the dream is intense or involves physical activity, the heart rate may increase to a similar level as when the person is awake.
During non-REM sleep, which includes light sleep and deep sleep, the heart rate slows down to about 20-30% below the resting heart rate. During REM sleep, the heart rate can fluctuate and may even increase above the resting rate.
Several factors can influence heart rate during sleep, including stress, anxiety, sleep behaviours such as bedtime consistency, and medical conditions such as pregnancy, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.