Antarctica and the hibernating brain; The interaction between mental fatigue, hypoxia, exercise and sleep in an isolated, confined and extreme (ICE) environment

A psychological state that closely relates to mental fatigue is most probably periodically perceived throughout an Antarctic residence. In the present project we aim to follow up psychological (e.g. state questionnaires related to mental fatigue, sleepiness, coping strategies and mood state), (neuro)physiological (e.g. polysomnography, heart rate during exercise, genotypes and arterial oxygen saturation) and behavioural (e.g. actigraphy and activity diary) parameters of mental fatigue, sleep and physical fitness throughout an Antarctic overwintering. We will focus on assessing the interindividual differences that are present within these parameters and evaluate the stability of these differences in time. In the end, we will provide additional fundamental insights in mental fatigability and sleep.