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Variations in evaporation and body temperatures during sleep in man
Summary
Human body temperature and skin evaporation follow a circadian rhythm during sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep causes distinct, temporary changes in thermal regulation, suggesting nervous system control over both sleep and body temperature.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Sleep Science
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Nocturnal thermal balance is crucial for human health and sleep quality.
- Understanding the interplay between sleep stages and thermoregulation is essential for optimizing sleep environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of neutral and warm environments on human thermal balance during nocturnal sleep.
- To examine the relationship between body temperature, skin evaporation, and sleep stages, particularly REM sleep.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of body temperatures (skin and rectal) and skin evaporation throughout the night.
- Experiments conducted in neutral (32-34°C) and warm (39.5°C) environments at 45% relative humidity.
Main Results:
- In neutral conditions, body temperature and skin evaporation decreased, following a circadian rhythm.
- In warm conditions, body temperatures and evaporation remained stable.
- Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep periods were associated with synchronous, marked fluctuations in body temperature and evaporation, including temporary cessation of sweating.
Conclusions:
- Nocturnal thermoregulation exhibits both a basal circadian rhythm and superimposed rhythms linked to REM sleep.
- Phasic changes in body temperature and evaporation are specifically associated with REM sleep.
- The nervous system's integrative functions governing sleep patterns also appear to control cyclic thermoregulatory changes.