Human circadian rhythms in continuous darkness: entrainment by social cues

Science. 1971 Jan 15;171(3967):213-5. doi: 10.1126/science.171.3967.213.

Abstract

Three groups of two subjects each were kept in underground chambers, first for 4 days in an artificial light-dark cycle, and thereafter for 4 days in complete darkness. They lived on a rigorous time schedule. Physiological as well as psychological functions were measured at 3-hour intervals. There were no differences in the results between the two sections of the experiment. Social cues are sufficient to entrain human circadian rhythms, and absence of light has no immediate effect on the functions measured.

MeSH terms

  • 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids / urine
  • Body Temperature
  • Calcium / urine
  • Catecholamines / urine
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Cues*
  • Darkness*
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Periodicity
  • Potassium / urine
  • Social Isolation
  • Sodium / urine
  • Vanilmandelic Acid / urine

Substances

  • 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids
  • Catecholamines
  • Vanilmandelic Acid
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Calcium