Effects of chronic and state loneliness on heart rate variability in women

Chronic loneliness alters parasympathetic function among women. State loneliness immediately increases HRV among chronically lonely women, linking acute experiences to physiological changes.

We’ve all experienced loneliness at various points in our lives. Loneliness, a subjective feeling of social isolation, poses a significant risk for physical illness and early death. Despite its profound impact, the specific cause-and-effect mechanisms through which loneliness contributes to these adverse health outcomes remain unclear. Researchers continue to investigate how loneliness affects physiological processes and contributes to long-term health issues. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions to mitigate the negative effects of loneliness and improve overall well-being. The ongoing research aims to unravel these complex relationships and enhance our knowledge of loneliness and health.

In a study conducted by the psychologist of University Of British Columbia, they examined the alteration of parasympathetic nervous system function, as a potential pathway through which chronic loneliness and state loneliness can contribute to impact cardiovascular physiology. In controlled lab settings, HRV, including vagal tone and reactivity to induced loneliness, was studied in 316 women.

Chronic Loneliness and Its Impact on Heart Rate Variability and Emotional Response in Women

The results showed that higher levels of chronic loneliness in women predicted lower resting heart rate variability (HRV). Moreover, this effect was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, even after adjusting for psychosocial, demographic, and health behavior variables. Chronic loneliness significantly impacts resting HRV, underscoring its role as a predictor of adverse health outcomes. The study controlled for various factors to ensure that the observed relationship between chronic loneliness and reduced HRV was not influenced by other potential confounding variables, thus emphasizing its relevance as a distinct health risk.

Moreover, women with higher chronic loneliness experienced significantly larger increases in HRV due to state loneliness and reported significantly higher negative affect immediately following state loneliness compared to less chronically lonely women. Chronic loneliness also predicted blunted HRV reactivity, which is a maladaptive physiological response, providing cognitive challenge.

The current findings show that loneliness alters parasympathetic function among women. State loneliness immediately increases HRV among these women.