Circadian Rhythm and Sleep During Prolonged Antarctic Residence at Chinese Zhongshan Station

Objective Residence at Zhongshan Station (69°22′24″S, 76°22′40″E) for over 1 year exposes winter-over members to marked changes of light−dark cycle, ranging from the constant daylight of polar days to the constant darkness of polar nights, in addition to geographic and social isolation. This extreme photoperiodic environment may increase the risk of sleep disturbances and circadian desynchrony. The aim of this study was to investigate the circadian rhythm and sleep phase of Chinese winter-over expeditioners at Zhongshan Station. Methods This study was conducted on 17 healthy male participants before departure from Shanghai and during residence at Zhongshan Station for 1 year (before winter, mid-winter, and end of winter). Sequential urine samples over 48 hours were obtained, 6-sulphatoxymelatonin in urine was assessed, and the circadian rhythm was analyzed by a cosine curve-fitting method. Participants’ sleep parameters were obtained from wrist actigraphy and sleep logs. Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire were completed. Results The acrophase of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin rhythm, sleep onset, sleep offset, and mid-sleep time were delayed significantly (P <.05) in Antarctica relative to departure values. The subjects had greater eveningness preference (P <.05) in mid-winter in Antarctica. The Global Seasonality Score and the prevalence of subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder increased (P <.05) during winter. Conclusions Our results indicate that during polar nights Chinese expeditioners experienced the following problems: delayed circadian rhythm and sleep phase, later chronotype, and incidence of subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder. An appropriate combination of artificial bright light during dark winter months and a strict social schedule are recommended in a winter-over station in Antarctica.