What factor is known to increase a person's pulse rate?

Fever is known to increase a person's pulse rate because it represents the body's response to infection or illness. When the body temperature rises, metabolic processes accelerate to assist in fighting off the infection, leading to an increase in heart rate. This occurs as the heart pumps more blood to circulate immune cells and deliver oxygen more efficiently to the tissues, which is critical in the context of elevated body temperatures.

In contrast, coma typically results in decreased metabolic activity and may lower pulse rates. During sleep, particularly in deeper stages, the pulse rate usually decreases as the body enters a more restful state. Depressant drugs often lead to sedation and a similar reduction in heart rate rather than an increase, affecting the autonomic nervous system and promoting relaxation and decreased physiological activity.