BLOOD PRESSURE, SLEEP AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

This article presents an integrative review of the literature on blood pressure, sleep and physical exercise in humans linked to extreme environments, specifically Antarctica. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific research available in the literature on the impact of extreme environments (antarctica) on blood pressure levels, sleep and physical exercise in humans. For data collection, a search was carried out in the LILACS and PUBMED databases. Articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed, resulting in a sample of 9 studies selected for the review. The main results address various aspects of the effects of prolonged stay in Antarctica on the physical health of individuals. Sleep disturbances and high blood pressure at night were observed after a year in these extreme environments, suggesting persistent cardiovascular stress. In addition, thermoregulatory adaptations were found in response to physical exertion and the adverse environment, resulting in changes in the participants' aerobic capacity and sleep pattern. Mental health problems, such as symptoms of insomnia, were more common during the winter, possibly related to the extreme weather and isolation. In addition, changes in light sensitivity were revealed, indicating the impact of prolonged exposure to extreme photoperiod conditions on human physiology, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when planning living activities in antarctica. In this way, studies on the effects of the Antarctic environment offer a multifaceted perspective on the challenges and adaptations faced by individuals living or working in this remote region.