[Individual characteristics and biological rhythms. VI. Circadian variations of body temperature]

It has been reported that body temperature fluctuates differently in evening and morning type subjects. In order to assess this finding in 779 university students the body temperature has been measured between 1986 and 1989. Body temperature exhibits circadian rhythm in 78.6% of subjects, but no differences between morning and evening type crest phases were found. Since this result contradicts literature data, the finding is discussed also on the basis of the difference of the percentage between our grouping and that of the other authors. Further studies are in progress in order to detect if the subjects of the two groups differ for other biological and psychological parameters as well.