Supplemental Feeding and Thermal Comfort During Sleep in the Cold

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Abstract
Six men were studied while sleeping in arctic sleeping bags at −34.5°C (−30°F). The men ate the usual three meals per day at conventional times plus a supplement of 0, 600 or 1200 Cal. 10 minutes before retiring. The composition of the supplement was 40% fat, 20% protein and 40% carbohydrate. The following measurements were made during the night: rectal temperature (Tr), mean skin temperature (Ts), toe temperature, and oxygen consumption (Vo2). When a 600 or 1200 Cal. supplement was given Tr, Ttoe and Vo2 were significantly higher than with no supplement. Ts was not changed as a result of supplementation. There appeared to be no difference between the effect of a 600 or 1200 Cal. supplement. The supplement also reduced the number of periods of wakefulness and the subjective discomfort associated with cold. Submitted on July 1, 1957