Heart rate variability in menopausal hot flashes during sleep.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if heart rate variability changes during hot flashes recorded during sleep.

Methods: This study was performed in a university medical center laboratory with 16 postmenopausal women demonstrating at least four hot flashes per night. Polysomnography, heart rate, and sternal skin conductance to indicate hot flashes were recorded in controlled, laboratory conditions.