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Liu S, Wang J, Chen S, Chai J, Wen J, Tian X, Chen N, Xu C. Vagal predominance correlates with mood state changes of winter-over expeditioners during prolonged Antarctic residence. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298751. [PMID: 38968274 PMCID: PMC11226091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Winter-over expeditioners in Antarctica are challenged by various environmental and psycho-social stress factors, which may induce psychophysiological changes. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in the adaptation process under stress. However, the relationship between ANS activity and the mood states of expeditioners remains largely unexplored. This study aims to uncover the pattern of ANS adjustment under extreme Antarctic environments and provide new insights into the correlations between ANS activity and mood state changes, which may provide scientific data for medical interventions. METHODS Fourteen expeditioners at Zhongshan Station participated in this study. The study was conducted during four representative periods: pre-Antarctica, Antarctica-1 (pre-winter), Antarctica-2 (winter), and Antarctica-3 (summer). The heart rate variability (HRV) of the expeditioners was continuously measured for 24 hours to evaluate ANS activity. Plasma levels of catecholamines were tested by ELISA. Mood states were assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. RESULTS HRV analysis showed a disturbance of ANS during winter and summer periods. For frequency domain parameters, very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and total power (TP) significantly increased during the second half of the mission. Especially, LF/HF ratio decreased during summer, indicating the predominance of vagal tone. Results of the time domain analysis showed increased heart rate variability during the austral winter and summer. Plasma epinephrine (E) significantly increased during residence in Antarctica. Compared with pre-Antarctica, the vigor, depression, and anger scores of the expeditioners decreased significantly during the austral summer. Notably, the depression score showed a moderate positive correlation with LF/HF, while weak negative correlations with other HRV indicators, including TP, VLF, and LF. Anger score showed a moderate positive correlation with LF/HF and weak negative correlations with the average normal-to-normal (NN) interval, and the root mean square of differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD). Plasma E level weakly correlated with the average NN interval. CONCLUSION Prolonged residence in Antarctica increased the ANS activities and shifted the cardiac autonomic modulation towards vagal predominance. The alteration of HRV correlated with mood states and plasma epinephrine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianan Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoling Chen
- Pingxiang Third People’s Hospital, Pingxiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiamin Chai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jigang Wen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Tian
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengli Xu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Shao Y, Li Y, Wang N, Xue Y, Wang T, Qiu F, Lu Y, Lan D, Wu H. Effect of daily light exposure on sleep in polar regions: A meta-analysis. J Sleep Res 2024:e14144. [PMID: 38253963 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Although studies have shown that light affects sleep in polar populations, the sample size of most studies is small. This meta-analysis provides the first systematic review of the effects of summer glare, spring and fall moderate daylight, and artificial lighting on general sleep problems (sleep duration, efficiency, and delay). This analysis included 18 studies involving 986 participants. We calculated the random effect size via an evidence-based meta-analysis that analysed the effect of bright/auxiliary light on sleep and the effect of three different types of light on sleep compared with conventional light. There was no significant correlation between specific light types and sleep duration. Intense summer light has a negative effect on sleep time and efficiency. Moderate, natural light in spring and autumn effectively delayed sleep but could not improve sleep efficiency. For artificial fill light, neither blue light nor enhanced white light has been found to have a significant effect. In summary, summer light has a detrimental effect on sleep in polar populations, and moderate natural light may be superior to conventional light. However, specific strategies to improve sleep and artificial lighting in polar populations must be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Shao
- Clinical Center for Intelligent Rehabilitation Research, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Li
- Clinical Center for Intelligent Rehabilitation Research, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Clinical Center for Intelligent Rehabilitation Research, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongyue Wang
- Clinical Center for Intelligent Rehabilitation Research, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengxi Qiu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danmei Lan
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengjing Wu
- Clinical Center for Intelligent Rehabilitation Research, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Tortello C, Folgueira A, Lopez JM, Didier Garnham F, Sala Lozano E, Rivero MS, Simonelli G, Vigo DE, Plano SA. Chronotype delay and sleep disturbances shaped by the Antarctic polar night. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15957. [PMID: 37743400 PMCID: PMC10518309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronotype is a reliable biomarker for studying the influence of external zeitgebers on circadian entrainment. Assessment of chronotype variation in participants exposed to extreme photoperiods may be useful to investigate how changes in light-dark cycle modulate the circadian system. This study aimed to examine chronotype and sleep changes during a winter campaign at the Argentine Antarctic station Belgrano II. A sample of 82 men who overwintered in Antarctica completed the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire during March (daylight length: 18.6 h), May (daylight length: 2.8 h), July (daylight length: 0 h), September (daylight length: 14.5 h), November (daylight length: 24 h). The main results showed a decrease in sleep duration and a delay in chronotype and social jetlag during the polar night, highlighting the influence of social cues and the impact of the lack of natural light on circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tortello
- Chronophysiology Lab, Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Folgueira
- Health Department of Armed Force Personnel, Ministry of Defense, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J M Lopez
- Argentine Joint Command, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - E Sala Lozano
- Argentine Antarctic Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M S Rivero
- Argentine Joint Command, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Simonelli
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre d'études Avancées en Médecine du Sommeil, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, CIUSSS NÎM, Montreal, Canada
| | - D E Vigo
- Chronophysiology Lab, Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - S A Plano
- Chronophysiology Lab, Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Chronobiology Lab, Department of Science and Technology, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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4
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Le Roy B, Martin-Krumm C, Pinol N, Dutheil F, Trousselard M. Human challenges to adaptation to extreme professional environments: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105054. [PMID: 36682426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
NASA is planning human exploration of the Moon, while preparations are underway for human missions to Mars, and deeper into the solar system. These missions will expose space travelers to unusual conditions, which they will have to adapt to. Similar conditions are found in several analogous environments on Earth, and studies can provide an initial understanding of the challenges for human adaptation. Such environments can be marked by an extreme climate, danger, limited facilities and supplies, isolation from loved ones, or mandatory interaction with others. They are rarely encountered by most human beings, and mainly concern certain professions in limited missions. This systematic review focuses on professional extreme environments and captures data from papers published since 2005. Our findings provide an insight into their physiological, biological, cognitive, and behavioral impacts for better understand how humans adapt or not to them. This study provides a framework for studying adaptation, which is particularly important in light of upcoming longer space expeditions to more distant destinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Le Roy
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; CNES, Paris, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France.
| | - Charles Martin-Krumm
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; École de Psychologues Praticiens, Catholic Institute of Paris, EA Religion, Culture et société, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Pinol
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Health Library, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, F 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, 34 Avenue Carnot, 63 037 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; French Military Health Service Academy, Paris, France
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5
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van den Berg NH, Michaud X, Pattyn N, Simonelli G. How Sleep Research in Extreme Environments Can Inform the Military: Advocating for a Transactional Model of Sleep Adaptation. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:73-91. [PMID: 36790725 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01407-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the literature on sleep in extreme environments. Accordingly, we present a model that identifies the need for mitigating interventions to preserve sleep quality for military deployments. RECENT FINDINGS Situational factors that affect sleep in extreme environments include cold temperatures, isolated and confined areas, fluctuating seasonality, photoperiodicity, and extreme latitudes and altitudes. Results vary across studies, but general effects include decreased total sleep time, poor sleep efficiency, and non-specific phase delays or phase advances in sleep onset and sleep architecture. Considering habitability measures (e.g., light or temperature control) and individual differences such as variable stress responses or sleep need can mitigate these effects to improve mood, cognition, and operational performance. Although the situational demands during military missions inevitably reduce total sleep time and sleep efficiency, mitigating factors can attenuate sleep-related impairments, hence allowing for optimal mission success and personnel safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H van den Berg
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, CIUSSS du Nord de l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - X Michaud
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, CIUSSS du Nord de l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - N Pattyn
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Human Physiology Department (MFYS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,VIPER Research Unit, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Simonelli
- Centre d'études avancées en médecine du sommeil, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, CIUSSS du Nord de l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Sletten TL, Sullivan JP, Arendt J, Palinkas LA, Barger LK, Fletcher L, Arnold M, Wallace J, Strauss C, Baker RJS, Kloza K, Kennaway DJ, Rajaratnam SMW, Ayton J, Lockley SW. The role of circadian phase in sleep and performance during Antarctic winter expeditions. J Pineal Res 2022; 73:e12817. [PMID: 35833316 PMCID: PMC9541096 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Antarctic environment presents an extreme variation in the natural light-dark cycle which can cause variability in the alignment of the circadian pacemaker with the timing of sleep, causing sleep disruption, and impaired mood and performance. This study assessed the incidence of circadian misalignment and the consequences for sleep, cognition, and psychological health in 51 over-wintering Antarctic expeditioners (45.6 ± 11.9 years) who completed daily sleep diaries, and monthly performance tests and psychological health questionnaires for 6 months. Circadian phase was assessed via monthly 48-h urine collections to assess the 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) rhythm. Although the average individual sleep duration was 7.2 ± 0.8 h, there was substantial sleep deficiency with 41.4% of sleep episodes <7 h and 19.1% <6 h. Circadian phase was highly variable and 34/50 expeditioners had sleep episodes that occurred at an abnormal circadian phase (acrophase outside of the sleep episode), accounting for 18.8% (295/1565) of sleep episodes. Expeditioners slept significantly less when misaligned (6.1 ± 1.3 h), compared with when aligned (7.3 ± 1.0 h; p < .0001). Performance and mood were worse when awake closer to the aMT6s peak and with increased time awake (all p < .0005). This research highlights the high incidence of circadian misalignment in Antarctic over-wintering expeditioners. Similar incidence has been observed in long-duration space flight, reinforcing the fidelity of Antarctica as a space analog. Circadian misalignment has considerable safety implications, and potentially longer term health risks for other circadian-controlled physiological systems. This increased risk highlights the need for preventative interventions, such as proactively planned lighting solutions, to ensure circadian alignment during long-duration Antarctic and space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey L. Sletten
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jason P. Sullivan
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Josephine Arendt
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordSurreyUK
| | - Lawrence A. Palinkas
- Suzanne Dworak‐Peck School of Social WorkUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Laura K. Barger
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lloyd Fletcher
- Polar Medicine Unit, Australian Antarctic DivisionKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Malcolm Arnold
- Polar Medicine Unit, Australian Antarctic DivisionKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Jan Wallace
- Polar Medicine Unit, Australian Antarctic DivisionKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Clive Strauss
- Polar Medicine Unit, Australian Antarctic DivisionKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | | | - Kate Kloza
- Polar Medicine Unit, Australian Antarctic DivisionKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - David J. Kennaway
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Discipline of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Shantha M. W. Rajaratnam
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jeff Ayton
- Polar Medicine Unit, Australian Antarctic DivisionKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Steven W. Lockley
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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7
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Kang JM, Cho SJ, Cho SE, Bang T, Chae BD, Yi E, Bae SM, Na KS, Jung J, Kang SG. Mood and Sleep Status and Mental Disorders During Prolonged Winter-Over Residence in Two Korean Antarctic Stations. Nat Sci Sleep 2022; 14:1387-1396. [PMID: 35982827 PMCID: PMC9379312 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s370659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Antarctica is a region with extreme climate, characterized by extreme cold and photoperiod. No research has been conducted on the mental health of Korean Antarctic dispatchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of mental illness and changes in mood and sleep among Korean crew members staying for a long-term period in the Antarctic station. METHODS From 2017 to 2020, crew members who were dispatched from South Korea to two Antarctic stations for a one-year period participated in this study. The crew were evaluated for mood and sleep status and mental illness through psychological tests and interviews by board-certified psychiatrists once before departure and twice during their stay in Antarctica. The incidence of mental illness was confirmed and changes in sleep and depression were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 88 participants were included in the final analysis, and 7 of them (8.0%) were diagnosed with mental disorders such as insomnia in early winter. The total Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score increased significantly in the early winter period, and the total Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) scores increased in both early and late winter. The difference in changes in mood and sleep symptoms before, during, and after dispatch between the two stations was not significant. CONCLUSION This is the first study to investigate the mental illness and mood and sleep status of Korean crews dispatched to Antarctica. In early winter, there were significant increases in mental illness and depressive symptoms, and a worsening of sleep status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Myeong Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Eun Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Taemo Bang
- Artificial Intelligence and Big-Data Convergence Center, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Do Chae
- Unit of Frontier Exploration, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eojin Yi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sae Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehun Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gul Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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8
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Bakhmutova L. Main features of expeditioners’personality traits in Antarctic conditions. Ment Health (Lond) 2021. [DOI: 10.32437/mhgcj.v4i1.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Determining the benefits of basic human personality traits is one of the main components of the selection and staffing of small groups of peoples that are working in extreme environmental conditions and socio-spatial isolation. These groups include teams of polar explorers, scientists from outlying research bases, ship and submarine crews, and aircraft and space shuttles teams.
Purpose. To identify the prevailing type of temperament of and personal changes in people working on the Antarctic station during a one-year period of isolation to develop measures to maintain their mental and physical health.
Methodology. A total of 48 people (46 men and 2 women aged from 23 to 63 years) from four wintering teams of the Ukrainian Antarctic station (UAS) “Akademik Vernadsky” were voluntarily interviewed according to the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). The poll was conducted twice – before the departure to the Antarctic station and after their return after a year. Participants were studied in two groups (24 peoples) once again after a 6-month stay on the Antarctic station, to determine the level of psychoticism. The research was based on the analysis of preferences and changes in personality traits: Extraversion/Introversion, Neuroticism/Stability, and Psychoticism/Socialization.
Results. Based on the analysis of indicators such as Extraversion/Introversion, Neuroticism/Stability, and Psychoticism/Socialization, we determined the general structure of the personal characteristics of the expeditioners. Indicators of these characteristics showed that more than a third of the expeditioners (36.1%) were pronounced extroverts. A majority (61.1%) of the respondents were characterized by an intermediate between extraversion and introversion, and only 2.8% were pronounced introverts. 58.4% of the respondents were characterized by a low level of neuroticism, while 33.3% were characterized by medium level of neuroticism. Only 8.3% were found to have a high level of neuroticism. Low levels of psychoticism were predominant in 56.3% of the respondents while the remaining 43.7% had medium levels of psychoticism. A high level of psychoticism was absent in the respondents which indicates a psychologically correct selection of the team. Analysis of the dynamics of psychoticism revealed that there were higher growth rates (+0.97) of average indexes of psychoticism during the first 6 months of the expeditioners’ stay at the Antarctic station than at the end of the activity. This was due to the “acute adaptation” period when the respondent fit in the natural conditions of Antarctica. Furthermore, there was a development of psychoticism in the expeditioners during the “polar night”; the growth rates of psychoticism decreased after adaptation.
Conclusions. To maintain people’s mental health at the Antarctic station, it is optimal to select candidates for a one-year expedition with average rates of extraversion-introversion, and mostly low rates of neuroticism and psychoticism. These personal characteristics must be taken into account when forming an expedition team. The level of psychoticism during the expedition increases under the influence of the adverse environmental conditions of Antarctica and the socio-spatial isolation
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9
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Tortello C, Folgueira A, Nicolas M, Cuiuli JM, Cairoli G, Crippa V, Barbarito M, Abulafia C, Golombek DA, Vigo DE, Plano SA. Coping with Antarctic demands: Psychological implications of isolation and confinement. Stress Health 2021; 37:431-441. [PMID: 33166090 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Working in extreme environments requires a wide range of cognitive, psychological and social competences. Antarctica represents one of the most challenging habitats to work in due to its aridity, extremely cold weather, and isolated conditions. This study aimed to assess mood variations and coping strategies, as well as their possible modulation by group dynamics in a crew at the Belgrano II Argentine Antarctic Station throughout 1 year of confinement. Thirteen members of the Argentine Army completed emotional, coping and social dynamics questionnaires bimonthly in March, May, July, September and November. Results showed a significant decline in social dynamics scales, evidenced by decreases in perceived peer and hierarchical support. Additionally, coping strategies displayed a drop in mature defence throughout the expedition. A positive correlation was found between social support and recovery from stress. Our results highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships in psychological adjustment to isolation and extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Tortello
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Folgueira
- Neurology Department, Central Military Hospital, Argentine Army, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michel Nicolas
- Laboratory Psy-DREPI (EA 7458), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Juan Manuel Cuiuli
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Cairoli
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Carolina Abulafia
- Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Movement Disorders Unit, Raul Carrea Institute of Neurological Research, Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Andrés Golombek
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Eduardo Vigo
- Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Santiago Andrés Plano
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Zivi P, De Gennaro L, Ferlazzo F. Sleep in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE): A Review on the Different Factors Affecting Human Sleep in ICE. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:851. [PMID: 32848590 PMCID: PMC7433404 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently renewed focus on the human exploration of outer space has boosted the interest toward a variety of questions regarding health of astronauts and cosmonauts. Among the others, sleep has traditionally been considered a central issue. To extend the research chances, human sleep alterations have been investigated in several analog environments, called ICEs (Isolated, Confined, and Extreme). ICEs share different features with the spaceflight itself and have been implemented in natural facilities and artificial simulations. The current paper presents a systematic review of research findings on sleep disturbances in ICEs. We looked for evidence from studies run in polar settings (mostly Antarctica) during space missions, Head-Down Bed-Rest protocols, simulations, and in a few ICE-resembling settings such as caves and submarines. Even though research has shown that sleep can be widely affected in ICEs, mostly evidencing general and non-specific changes in REM and SWS sleep, results show a very blurred picture, often with contradictory findings. The variable coexistence of the many factors characterizing the ICE environments (such as isolation and confinement, microgravity, circadian disentrainment, hypoxia, noise levels, and radiations) does not provide a clear indication of what role is played by each factor per se or in association one with each other in determining the pattern observed, and how. Most importantly, a number of methodological limitations contribute immensely to the unclear pattern of results reported in the literature. Among them, small sample sizes, small effect sizes, and large variability among experimental conditions, protocols, and measurements make it difficult to draw hints about whether sleep alterations in ICEs do exist due to the specific environmental characteristics, and which of them plays a major role. More systematic and cross-settings research is needed to address the mechanisms underlying the sleep alterations in ICE environments and possibly develop appropriate countermeasures to be used during long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Subjective time estimation in Antarctica: The impact of extreme environments and isolation on a time production task. Neurosci Lett 2020; 725:134893. [PMID: 32147501 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Interval timing measures time estimation in the seconds-to-minutes range. Antarctica provides a real-world context to study the effect of extreme photoperiods and isolation on time perception. The aim of this study was to explore interval timing as a cognitive measure in the crew of Belgrano II Argentine Antarctic Station. A total of 13 subjects were assessed for interval timing in short (3 s), intermediate (6 s) and long (12 s) duration stimuli. Measures were taken during the morning and evening, five times along the year. Significant variations were found for 3 s and 6 s during the morning and 6 s during the evening. Results suggest an impact of isolation on morning performances and an effect of the polar night on evening measures. These findings shed some light on the use of interval timing as a cognitive test to assess performance in extreme environments.
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