In the dark depths of the Antarctic winter, Meg O’Connell couldn’t help thinking her morning coffee was missing its usual caffeine kick.<\/p>\n
“Often, you’re thinking, ‘Wow, the coffee’s stopped working down here. I can’t seem to get my energy together,” she said.<\/p>\n
Dr O’Connell has a background as a remote GP with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Queensland.<\/p>\n
But earlier this year, she traded the tropics for a long-term stint as the expedition medical officer at Casey Station on the icy continent.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Casey Station \u2014 one of four of Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations \u2014 was established in February, 1969.\u00a0 (Supplied: Australian Antarctic Division)<\/p>\n
“I’ve ticked over six months down here for the Antarctic winter and it’s been a wonderful experience.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
But it’s also been an eye-opener about the effects the cold climate, lack of sunlight and social isolation can have on the human brain and body.<\/p>\n
Scientists take icy plunge for midwinter solstice in Antarctica<\/a><\/p>\n
Australian expeditioners at Casey Station in Antarctica take a plunge into subzero waters to celebrate the winter solstice.<\/p>\n
“It’s been absolutely fascinating seeing people’s cognition go through the winter, because at an individual level, people really do notice the change.”<\/p>\n
Dr O’Connell describes it as a “cloudiness”, where it’s difficult to find words or maintain attention during long tasks.<\/p>\n
Others experience changes to their mood, or disruption to their sleep patterns.<\/p>\n