Circadian variations in self-monitoring, a component of executive functions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify circadian rhythms in self-monitoring, a component of executive functions. Participants were 10 undergraduate students, age: 18.5 ± 2.68 years, two male and eight female. They were recorded on a 30-h constant routine protocol; rectal temperature was recorded every minute and performance on a tracking task was assessed every 100 min. Self-monitoring indicators were adjustments of responses to random changes of speed and trajectory of a circle moving on the computer screen. Participants showed better accuracy during the afternoon, with decreases in the morning (06:20 and 08:00 h). These variations showed a phase delay of 2:29 ± 2:19 h with respect to the circadian rhythm of body temperature. In conclusion, there are circadian variations in self-monitoring. The decline in this component of executive functions could cause serious accidents among people working or studying during a morning shift, as well as commuting to and from work or school.

Keywords:

• circadian rhythms
• cognitive performance
• executive functions
• self-monitoring

Acknowledgements

We thank the participants and student collaborators in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors hereby state that there is no financial interest or benefit arising from the direct application of this research; therefore, there is no conflict of interest whatsoever.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León.