LAUSR

The circadian rhythm is the period of about 24 h, which is the basis of the human biological cycle. It coordinates human daytime activities and body rest, and influences cognitive learning and processing information in the brain during sleep. Light rhythmically influences these hormonal physiological procedures. External factors such as the exposure to artificial light can also interfere with the circadian rhythm, causing sleep and wake disturbances. Remote monitoring systems can be used to better understand how the artificial light influences sleep and bodily rhythms, integrating light and physiological measurements to assess their interaction points. We developed an equipment to monitor the environmental light spectrum and gather data from wrist devices, collecting data on sleep quality and daytime activities. This study shows the challenges faced during the development of this monitoring equipment and the lessons learned from its construction and installation at the Brazilian Antarctic research station.