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Decreased human circadian pacemaker influence after 100 days in space: a case studyOBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the circadian rhythms and sleep of a healthy, 42-year-old male astronaut experiencing microgravity (weightlessness) for nearly 5 months while living aboard Space Station Mir as it orbited Earth and (2) to determine the effects of prolonged space flight on the endogenous circadian pacemaker, as indicated by oral temperature and subjective alertness rhythms, and their ramifications for sleep, alertness, and performance. METHODS: For three 12- to 14-day blocks of time (spread throughout the mission), oral temperatures were taken and subjective alertness was self-rated five times per day. Sleep diaries and performance tests were also completed daily during each block. RESULTS: Examination of the subject's circadian alertness and oral temperature rhythms suggested that the endogenous circadian pacemaker seemed to function quite well up to 90 days in space. Thereafter (on days 110-122), the influence of the endogenous circadian pacemaker on oral temperature and subjective alertness circadian rhythms was considerably weakened, with consequent disruptions in sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Space missions lasting more than 3 months might result in diminished circadian pacemaker influence in astronauts, leading to eventual sleep problems.
Document ID
20040088625
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Monk, T. H.
(Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Kennedy, K. S.
Rose, L. R.
Linenger, J. M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Psychosomatic medicine
Volume: 63
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0033-3174
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: AG 13396
CONTRACT_GRANT: AG 15136
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
manned
Flight Experiment
Mir Project
long duration
NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology
Case Reports
Non-NASA Center

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