Seasonal variation of temperature regulation: do thermoregulatory responses “spring” forward and “fall” back?

Abstract

Seasonal variations in day length and light intensity can affect the circadian rhythm as well as some characteristics of temperature regulation. We investigated characteristics of autonomic (ATR), behavioural (BTR) and nocturnal (NTR) temperature regulation during spring and autumn. Eleven participants underwent experiments in both seasons. To assess ATR, participants performed a 30-min bout of submaximal upright exercise on a cycle ergometer, followed by 100min of water immersion (28°C). Thresholds for the onset of shivering and sweating and vasomotor response were measured. BTR was assessed using a water-perfused suit, with participants regulating the water-perfused suit temperature (Twps) within a range, considered as thermally comfortable. The Twps changed in a saw-tooth manner from 10 to 50°C; by depressing a switch, the direction of the Twps changed, and this limit defined the thermal comfort zone (TCZ) for each participant. A 24-h proximal (calf)-distal (toe) skin temperature gradient (∆Tc-t) was measured to assess NTR. Initiation of vasomotor tone, shivering and sweating was similar between trials. Width of the TCZ was 8.1°C in spring and 8.6°C in autumn (p = 0.1), with similar upper and lower regulated temperatures. ∆Tc-t exhibited a typical circadian rhythm with no difference between seasons. Minor changes in skin temperature and oxygen consumption (p˂0.05) between the seasons may indicate a degree of seasonal adaptation over the course of winter and summer, which persisted in spring and autumn. Other factors, such as country, race, sex and age could however modify the outcome of the study.