How do Astronauts Sleep In Space?
How do Astronauts Sleep In Space?
Due to microgravity in space, astronauts can sleep in any position, but they need to be strapped in with sleeping bags attached to the wall to prevent themselves from floating around and getting injured. As they are used to sleeping on beds on Earth, they tend to use rigid cushions that exert pressure along their back. However, the sleep quarters in space are cramped, with the sleeping area in the International Space Station (ISS) being only the size of a phone booth, and in a space shuttle, it’s even smaller, just a tiny cabin.
Former astronaut Scott Kelly has shared how he improvised his sleep conditions to replicate the feeling of sleeping horizontally in a bed. He used bungee cords to secure himself to the floor and velcroed his head to a cushion to mimic the feeling of sleeping on a pillow. Pillows are not necessary due to weightlessness, but it takes some getting used to. The space environment is not entirely silent, and the aircraft can be noisy, with the sun viewed from space being exceptionally bright. Therefore, earplugs and eye masks are particularly important when sleeping in space. An astronaut’s typical sleep space includes a sleeping bag, a pillow, a lamp, an air vent, a personal laptop, and a place for personal belongings.
Circadian Rhythm up to 16 sunrises and sunsets in 24 hrs in Space.
Due to the spacecraft orbiting the Earth, an astronaut can witness approximately 16 sunrises and sunsets in a span of 24 hours. However, this frequent change of light can cause disruptions in the circadian rhythm, leading to sleep deprivation. The abnormal length of the day in space also contributes to the sleep-wake cycle disturbance. Spaceflights and work at space stations also involve shift work, which can further disrupt the circadian rhythm.
Despite being allotted 8 hours of sleep, astronauts still struggle to find and maintain sleep due to the disruption of their circadian rhythm and the unusual sleep conditions in space. However, some astronauts have reported feeling fully rested after just 6 hours of sleep, leading specialists to believe that weightlessness may slow down the body's rate of fatigue.
What is Circadian rhythm?
The body's internal clock, known as circadian rhythms, operate on 24-hour cycles to carry out crucial functions and processes. The sleep-wake cycle is one of the most crucial and well-known of these rhythms.
The master clock in the brain synchronizes the different systems of the body to circadian rhythms, which are affected by environmental cues, especially light. This connection to the day and night cycle allows for consistent and rejuvenating sleep.
However, disruptions to the circadian rhythm can lead to significant sleep issues, such as insomnia. Recent research indicates that circadian rhythms also have a vital role in numerous aspects of both physical and mental health.
The risks of sleeping in space.
The first documentation of sleep in space dates back to 1976, when the sleep patterns of three American Skylab astronauts were analyzed through polysomnography. However, sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality are major concerns for astronauts, and can arise due to various factors including confined living spaces, disturbances in the circadian rhythm, and physical discomfort. Additionally, motion sickness can also disrupt sleep in astronauts.
The risks associated with poor sleep in space are significant. Cognitive and operational functions can decline due to prolonged sleep deprivation, which can be particularly hazardous in an extreme environment like space, where work-related tasks are complex and require high levels of mental and physical ability. Adequate ventilation in sleep quarters is crucial to prevent oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain hypoxia, brain damage, or even death.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for astronauts to follow a strict schedule that includes regular sleep and wake-up times, as well as diet and exercise routines. These signals can help to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle and prevent disruptions to the circadian rhythm.
