Vikram Gowda N R

Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual cycle characterized by various dynamic alterations in sex steroidal hormones not only alters the reproductive organs but also various systemic organs and hence higher functions are one among them. This study is an attempt to determine the influence of various hormones on cognitive function using short term heart rate variability analysis in different phases of menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants were subjected for the baseline recording of HRV and psychomotor vigilance test and short term memory test along with HRV recording in three subsequent numbers of times to study variations in three different phases of menstrual cycle . Both time domain and frequency domain parameters were studied during resting state and while performing psychomotor vigilance test and short term memory test. Results: The time domain and frequency domain parameters on comparison with resting state to during psychomotor vigilance test and short term memory test parameters were statistically insignificant in all three phases recorded. Unlikely on comparison of heart rate variability parameters both times domain and frequency domain values of RRI, RMSSD and LF (nu) values were statistically significant across the different phases suggesting upper hand of sympathetic tone. Conclusion: The present study indicated increased sympathetic discharge during follicular phase on comparison to luteal and menstrual phase. The results also indicated a change in cognitive functioning during different phases due to hormonal variations. Keywords: Menstrual cycle, Heart rate variability, Psychomotor vigilance test.

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Abstract

Introduction: Sleep pattern and behavior plays an important role in personality. It becomes very essential in profession where decision making has to be precise. Health care profession is always a challenging filed, with evolving science every day the people in this profession are at risk of sleep deprivation either due to work schedule or stressors. Hence sleep pattern study in their study period will help in predicting pattern developed in sleep. Materials and Methods: 261 subjects participated in study constituting self-reporting questionnaire which included sleepiness, acute insomnia and chronic insomnia, activities in bed and sleep environment responses was obtained which determined life style habits and individual sleep pattern and behavior Results: 40% of study participants had sleep onset delay more than 30minutes and among them 4% of participants needed pharmacological intervention. On comparison among different phases of course and interns using ANOVA there was no statistical significant difference in sleep patterns but interns had poor sleep quality as per the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) criteria. Conclusion: The study indicated altered sleep patterns in the group of interns and in first year students of the course though it was not statistically significant. Keywords: Sleep, PSQI index, Life style habits.

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