Observations on Normal Body Temperatures in Differently Climate Conditions

In order to know the characteristics of circadian rhythms in core temperature in tropical inhabitants, we measured rectal temperatures every 10 min for 24 hrs in 6 Vietnamese, 20 - 22 yrs (5 males and I females) under natural conditions. Average light intensity was 16000 lx. Ambient temperatures ranged from 33 to 36 oC. These data obtained were compared with those in Japanese setters and the Polish inhabitants. The participants were sitting mostly during wakefulness and lying in bed during sleep. The results obtained are summarized as follows: I) The average maximum value was 37.7 oC, which was significantly higher than in the Japanese and Polish as well. 2) The average minimum value was 36.4 oC, which was also lower. 3) A range of oscillation was 1.3 oC, which was clearly greater than in the people living in the temperate areas. The higher maximum value of core temperature, which was actively regulated under warm temperature, seemed of adaptive significance in order to reduce water consumption. A greater rage of oscillation in tropical Vietnamese people might have ecological significance for efficient acclimatization in the environment with strong light intensity and high ambient temperature, suggesting that the setpoint of core temperature could show a greater range of oscillation.