ULTRADIAN RHYTHMS IN THE NASAL CYCLE AS M EASURED BY A NEW METHOD

Various methods have been conventionally applied for studies of the na sal cycle. Most of these studies have been through either clinical obs ervations by rhinologists or by the use of physiological apparatuses. The purposes of the present study are to develop a different and simpl ified technique for measuring the nasal cycle and to determine the ext ent to which the new technique works with actual cases. Five adult sub jects were required to hold a 8x6 mirror horizontally under the nostri lsin and to breathe through the nose with the mouth closed. The length of time required for the exhalation vapor to condense on the mirror w as measured every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. LR index scores (L- R/L+R) were calculated on the bases of left and right time, and maximu m entropy method spectral analysis was used to determine the nasal cyc le. The results showed that three of the subjects demonstrated signifi cant periodicities equivalent to about three or four hour ultradian rh ythms. Some of the problems with individual differences and with this new method were discussed.