An Antarctic sleep and dream laboratory

Exploring the Last Continent

“…Human beings normally experience four distinct stages of sleep, from light to deep, that are measurable using electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. Research has shown that there can be an acute and complete loss of the deepest, slow-wave sleep (SWS) associated with Stage 4 sleep in new arrivals to the South Pole (Natani et al 1970;Natani and Shurley 1974;Brooks et al 1974). Recovery from this initial drop does normally occur, but it can be followed by a gradual, marked reduction in SWS through the course of the winter.…”

From Antarctica to Outer Space

“…The psychophysiological study of sleep at the South Pole Station did, however, reveal chronic hypobaric hypoxia, which might significantly influence human behavior in this environment (Brooks, Natani, Shurley, Pierce, & Joern, 1973). The pressure altitude at the South Pole is approximately 3,350 m (11,000 ft), whereas New Zealand's Scott Base is at sea level.…”