Correlations of Some Physical Variables with REM Sleep and Slow Wave Sleep in Man

Polysomnography recordings were taken on 11 healthy male students aged 19–23 years. The correlations were examined between the various physical variables and the appearance rates of REM sleep and slow wave sleep (SWS). The height showed a significant inverse correlation with %st.4 sleep and with %SWS and the plantar length with %SWS. The body weight and chest circumference showed a significant inverse correlation with %REM sleep. The weight/height ratio tended toward an inverse correlation with %REM sleep. Both the body surface area and basal metabolic rate showed a significant inverse correlation with %st.4 and %REM sleep. There was no significant correlation between the total sleep time and each physical variable. From these results the roles of REM sleep and slow wave sleep in man were discussed.