Melatonin is responsible for the accurate time keeping of the human body. Melatonin is produced by the Pineal gland, and its release occurs in response to information derived from a specific sub-group of light sensitive cells in the retina. During the day light hours, the cells in the retina prevent melatonin being released whereas at night they stimulate its production. The body clock is important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including human beings. Disruption to the body clock in the short-tern is responsible for the symptoms of fatigue and insomnia associated with jet-lag; however, long-term disruption to the human body clock can have a significant adverse effect on many bodily functions, including sleep, digestion, mood and behaviour. The effects of 24-hour daylight on the human body, specifically related to eye diseases, have yet to be fully understood.
Throughout their Antarctic journey the team will collect important data, which will determine whether their body clocks are disrupted by the effects of the 24-hour daylight. They will also wear specialist activity monitors to monitor their sleep-wake patterns. This research may help to provide new insight into diseases of the eye, which cause damage to the cells in the retina that are responsible for melatonin production, and the effects of these conditions on the human body.