Effects of different types of clothing on circadian rhythms of core temperature and urinary catecholamines

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of three different types of clothing on the circadian rhythms of core temperature and urinary catecholamines. One type of clothing consisted of long-sleeved shirts, full-length trousers, and socks (Type L, 1,042 g); the second type was of half-sleeved shirts and knee-length trousers (Type H, 747 g); the third type was of Type H during the daytime and Type L during night sleep (Type M). Six healthy females participated in this study where rectal temperature, skin temperatures, heart rate, and urinary catecholamines were continuously measured for 37.5 h at an ambient temperature of 23.8 ± 0.2°C and a relative humidity of 60 ± 5%. The results were as follows: (1) The nocturnal minimum of rectal temperature decreased significantly in the sequence Type L