Significance of biorhythms in space flight

Evidence is presented that the most important factor in the maintenance of optimal health and performance is the stability of the relationship of one body rhythm to another. The effect of social interaction on performance, well-being, and physiological rhythm synchrony was investigated. Three groups of healthy males, ages 21 to 25, were confined in rooms (3.4 by 5.2 meters (11 by 17 feet)) for a total period of 105 days. Two of the groups were in rooms in which the environment could be regulated. The third group served as the control group and was exposed to ambient experimental conditions. The confined subjects were exposed for periods to several days either to 16 hours of light and 8 hours of dark, or to continuous light at a light intensity of 161 lm/sq m (15 foot-candles). The confined subjects were deprived of all time cues, and meals were ad libitum. The subjects were observed throughout the study by a video camera and were scored for activity. Communications were limited to meal and sample-collection information, and meals and samples were passed through a two-way hatch. Rectal temperature and heart rate (HR) were sampled every 30 minutes by telemetry throughout the study. Results are presented.