The Antarctic Challenge

We have from time to time explored the relationship between light and sleep. And in those articles, we have concluded that exposure to light plays a significant role in a shiftworker's ability to a) sleep during the day, and b) stay awake at night. We have also considered the effect that light has on melatonin levels, estrogen levels, and mood. In fact, last year we discussed the "winter hibernation blues" and what can be done about it.

We also know that support from family and friends is essential in helping the shiftworker cope with his or her changing moods related to shifting biological rhythms as well as light and dark cycles.

So where on earth do you suppose would exist the most isolated, coldest, darkest, and loneliest place to do perform research relating to circadian systems? That's right. Antarctica.

Antarctica is a most suitable place for this research because it provides a) a willing scientific community to experiment on, b) subjects that are isolated from their families and other societal obligations, and c) an environment that can be easily manipulated without the interference of the sun.

So as the many scientists from all over the world begin their 6-8 month austral winter in Antarctica, many questions and hypotheses are formed to help structure the research projects for the year. Many of the individuals will do the research, and many will be the guinea pigs.

On the medical side, there is much interest in the formation and spread of various germs, microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. With an isolated population, it is possible to identify those individuals who seem to carry the same germs all the time as opposed to those who "turn over" their germs. Scientists are hoping to understand how these individuals differ and if it is related to the question of why some people are more resistant to disease than others.

But the most interesting projects for those of us concerned with the shiftworker are those related to chronobiology (the science of the biological clock and circadian rhythms). They have already learned that by simulating the various shifts than one may work, it is possible to scientifically establish exactly when a person adjusts chronobiologically to a new shift. In one experiment, it was established that for a night worker who ate a meal on the night shift, greater levels of triglecerides were present. Then, while changing to the day shift, when the day meals began to exhibit the same effect, it could be determined that a complete change to the new shift had occurred.

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