Circadian rhythm of heat production, heart rate, and skin and core temperature under unmasking conditions in men

Abstract

Seven healthy men were studied in a 34-h constant routine protocol to investigate whether the daily rhythm of heat production and heat loss has an endogenous circadian component. Under these unmasking conditions (constant bed rest, no sleep allowed, regular food and fluid intake), a significant circadian rhythm could be demonstrated for heat production, heart rate, and skin temperatures but not for the respiratory quotient. Heat production and heart rate were phase locked with a maximum at 1100-1200 h. Proximal skin temperatures (infraclavicular region, thigh, and forehead) followed the same circadian rhythm as rectal temperature, whereas distal skin temperatures (hands and feet) were opposite in phase. These physiological circadian rhythm parameters, as well as biochemical parameters (urinary sodium, potassium, urea, and urine flow), were phase advanced by 25-180 min with respect to the circadian rhythm in rectal temperature. Our findings under unmasking conditions show that the circadian variation in rectal temperature is a consequence of endogenous circadian rhythms in both heat production and heat loss.