Measuring circadian temperature rhythm.

Experimental control and mathematical techniques increase confidence that results of circadian temperature rhythm studies reflect true changes in the circadian timing system versus coupling with exogenous synchronizers. Masking effects represent confounding influences in studies that are concerned with the endogenous temperature rhythm. Because it is technically difficult to measure directly the behavior of the endogenous timing system, marker rhythms are used as proxy measures. However in addition to entraining, the external environment exerts a direct masking effect on the monitored rhythm. Methods for measuring circadian temperature rhythm are reviewed in this article. Constant routine, forced desynchrony, and purification methods represent attempts, at an experimental or mathematical level, to remove masking effects and more accurately capture the endogenous circadian temperature rhythm. Exogenous factors have not been subjected to the same scrutiny as the endogenous features of circadian temperature rhythm. But it is the environmental context, the extent to which the endogenous features are adaptively modified by the field environment, that will ultimately determine the biological value of circadian temperature rhythm to the organism. Thus, nurse investigators are encouraged to use rigorous methods to study both endogenous circadian temperature rhythm and exogenous rhythms.