Effects of thermal environment in office based on the circadian rhythm upon core body temperature and other psycho-physiological functioning, and intellectual performance of occupants

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of diurnal thermal changes on the circadiam rhythm of humam core body temperature, together with secondary effects on other psycho-physiological functioithig and intellectual performamce. Four male subjects (23 25 years of age) were observed inder three experimental temperature cycles th a climate chamber. In Case 1, the temperature remained fixed at 24°C (control); th Case 2, a constmt temperature of 24°C durthg the morning and the afternoon was raised to 27°C at (3 PM amd remained constant during the evening, to evaluate the effects of body heatthg before sleep; th Case 3, the temperature control schedule is similar to Case 2 with the exception of the chamgthg time, not at 13 PM but at noon, to reflect the normal circadiam increase in core body temperature (CBT) in the afternoon. The change of the thermal environment caused amplitude thcrement or phase advance in rectal temperature (RT). Measurements based on electrocardiographs, saiivary cortisol levels, psychological measurement tools amd thtellectual tests ifiustrated the beneficial effects of the temperature control. The results reveal that control of the thermal environment th spaces based on the circadiam rhythm may regulate RT rhythm, leadthg to improvement th psychophysiological state amd thtellectual performamce of occupamts.