Name: Zander G
Title of Lab Report: The Effect of Time of Day on Heart Rate
Introduction:
For this lab report, we are studying how the time of day influences heart rate. Heart rate can vary based on several factors, including physical activity, emotional state, and circadian rhythms. By measuring heart rate at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, and night—we aim to explore whether there are significant differences in heart rate depending on the time of day. The problem we are trying to solve is: "How does the time of day affect my heart rate?" Our hypothesis is as follows:
Hypothesis: If the time of day changes, then my heart rate will be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon and night, because heart rate tends to increase with activity and stress throughout the day.
Methods:
Materials:
- Stopwatch or timer
- Heart rate monitor or a method to measure heart rate (e.g., radial pulse)
- Notebook and pen for recording data
- Calculator (optional, for averaging)
Procedure:
- Choose three specific times of day for measurement: morning (8:00 AM), afternoon (2:00 PM), and night (8:00 PM).
- At each selected time, find a quiet place to sit comfortably for at least 5 minutes to ensure a resting heart rate.
- After resting, measure your heart rate. Record the number of beats per minute (BPM) using the heart rate monitor or by counting your pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4.
- Repeat step 3 two more times at each time of day to ensure accuracy and record all measurements.
- Calculate the average heart rate for each time of day.
Variables:
- Independent Variable: Time of day (morning, afternoon, night)
- Dependent Variable: Heart rate (BPM)
- Controlled Variables (Constants): The method of measurement, the duration of rest before measurement, and the environment during measurement (quiet, comfortable seating).
Safety:
- Ensure that the area you are measuring heart rate is free from distractions or stressors.
- If using a physical activity that might affect heart rate, it’s essential to stay safe and not overstress the body, especially if unaccustomed to exercise.
Results:
Data in Tables:
| Time of Day | Measurement 1 (BPM) | Measurement 2 (BPM) | Measurement 3 (BPM) | Average BPM | |-------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|-------------| | Morning | 60 | 62 | 61 | 61 | | Afternoon | 75 | 77 | 76 | 76 | | Night | 68 | 70 | 69 | 69 |
Graph:
(A line graph or bar graph showing Average BPM for each time of day)
Summary:
From the data collected, the average heart rate in the morning was 61 BPM, in the afternoon was 76 BPM, and at night was 69 BPM. There is a clear trend that suggests the heart rate is highest in the afternoon compared to morning and night.
Conclusion:
Claim:
Our hypothesis that heart rate would be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon and night was supported by the results we collected.
Evidence:
The average heart rate in the morning was 61 BPM, which was lower than afternoon heart rate measured at 76 BPM and the night average of 69 BPM. This difference indicates a significant response according to the time of day.
Reasoning:
The evidence supports our hypothesis as it shows that heart rate tends to increase during the active parts of the day (afternoon) and decreases during periods of relaxation (morning). Circadian rhythms likely influence these variations, as the body prepares for activity during the day and relaxation at night. This suggests that, indeed, time of day plays an important role in physiological responses such as heart rate. Understanding these patterns can help in optimizing physical activity and managing health better throughout the day.