Effects of Age on Physiological Response and Bed Climate during Sleep Followed by Using the Electric Blanket

Abstract

Five healthy young and elderly female volunteers slept from 23 : 00 to 7 : 00 in a climate chamber that was controlled at 13°C 60% RH. The lower extremity area of the futon was heated by using an electric blanket before sleep. Bed climate, body movement, skin temperature (T_sk), and heart rate were measured continuously throughout the night. Subjective sensational and sleep evaluations were conducted before and after the recording sessions. The bed climate of the foot area was significantly lower in the elderly. During wake, the finger and toe T_sk was significantly higher in the elderly, while that of the chest was lower. During sleep, the chest and mean T_sk were significantly higher in the young. The sleep maintenance factor of the subjective sleep evaluation was significantly better in the elderly. These results suggest that chest and mean T_sk, bed climate of the foot area and subjective sleep evaluation when an electric blanket is used before sleep may differ depending on age. The usage and the temperature level setting of the electric blanket should be adjusted according to age.