Abstract:
In 1979 an experiment was conducted in Spitsbergen, in which the
effect of lithium ions on the daily clock of humans was studied. Four
Norwegian participants from Trondheim and six from Tübingen were experimental
subjects. Under conditions of continuous light during the arctic summer it
was shown, that in four of the participants the clock was slowed by the
lithium ions, which was expected from experiments on plants and animals. In
two of the participynts the internal day was strongly delayed.Body
temperature, arm movement ans sleep-wake-rhythm were recorded continuously
with specially constructed devices. The results are dicussed in respect to
endogenous depressions.