Chronotype delay and sleep disturbances shaped by the Antarctic polar night

Abstract Chronotype is a reliable biomarker for studying the influence of external zeitgebers on circadian entrainment. Assessment of chronotype variation in participants exposed to extreme photoperiods may be useful to investigate how changes in light–dark cycle modulate the circadian system. This...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific Reports
Main Authors: C. Tortello, A. Folgueira, J. M. Lopez, F. Didier Garnham, E. Sala Lozano, M. S. Rivero, G. Simonelli, D. E. Vigo, S. A. Plano
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2023
Subjects:
Medicine
R
Science
Q
Antarc*
Antarctic
Antarctica
polar night
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43102-0
https://doaj.org/article/842f84f00c5d4adf869390ec90ab767e
Description
Summary:Abstract Chronotype is a reliable biomarker for studying the influence of external zeitgebers on circadian entrainment. Assessment of chronotype variation in participants exposed to extreme photoperiods may be useful to investigate how changes in light–dark cycle modulate the circadian system. This study aimed to examine chronotype and sleep changes during a winter campaign at the Argentine Antarctic station Belgrano II. A sample of 82 men who overwintered in Antarctica completed the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire during March (daylight length: 18.6 h), May (daylight length: 2.8 h), July (daylight length: 0 h), September (daylight length: 14.5 h), November (daylight length: 24 h). The main results showed a decrease in sleep duration and a delay in chronotype and social jetlag during the polar night, highlighting the influence of social cues and the impact of the lack of natural light on circadian rhythms.

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