Core temperature circdian rhythm during 35 days of horizontal bed rest.

The present study evaluated whether the previously reported alterations in core temperature circadian rhythm associated with bed rest might be attributable to increased heat loss from the skin. Infra-red thermograms were obtained at weekly intervals during 5 weeks of bed rest and after 4 weeks of active recovery. Tympanic temperature (Tty) was measured at hourly intervals from 0800 to 2300 hrs on similar occasions during bed rest. There were no significant changes in mean tympanic temperature or amplitude of Tty circadian rhythm during the 5 week bed rest period. Skin temperature decreased progressively during bed rest (P<0.005), with distal regions being the most affected.