Sleep in Space: How Do Astronauts Cope? 

Explore how astronauts overcome sleep challenges in space, including gravity, light cycles, and stress, using innovative techniques and strategies. 

WEB-1038 Sleep in Space How Do Astronauts Cope

When you were younger, you might have dreamed about becoming an astronaut. You saw them living up in the space station, exploring outer space, and living life in unique ways free from gravity. But have you ever wondered how they sleep and if they get good quality sleep? That is a question that many people don’t know the answer to, but it’s one that we’re going to uncover today in our article. 
 
We’ll discuss the unique challenges of sleeping in space and how astronauts deal with the struggles of perpetual night and no gravity. We’ll also explore some of the strategies and techniques that astronauts use to sleep in space if they work, as well as what many astronauts swear by for proper rest. We’ll even look at some of the latest space sleep research that NASA and other organizations have done. Let’s get into it! 

The Unique Challenges of Sleeping in Space: Struggles Astronauts Face 

For astronauts, heading to bed is not as easy as it is for us. They can’t just climb into their bed and get some shuteye. Those who live on the space station or are traveling by rocket ship to the moon or another destination face many challenges that limit their ability to rest naturally.  
 
Much like us, however, their sleep is important to their overall health, so overcoming these hurdles is a must! Before we explore the solutions, let’s explore four common challenges unique to astronauts in space.  

1. Gravity, or Lack Thereof 

Gravity is the first and most challenging aspect of living in space. Not only do astronauts have to deal with feeling like they are floating wherever they go in space, but this also disturbs their circadian rhythm, leading to potential changes in their mood, cognition, and even performance (Source: PubMed). However, astronauts also have to deal with one stubborn issue: we need to stay aligned and on a set schedule: irregular day cycles. 

2. Disrupted 24-Hour Day Cycle 

The International Space Station (ISS) is where most astronauts spend their time in space these days, but it is also one of the most unusual places to call home. Why, you might ask? Well, this destination travels at a rate of 17,100 miles per hour, which means that every 90 minutes, there is a sunrise. That means that the people who live on the ISS experience 16 sunsets and 16 sunrises each and every day. This, as you can expect, majorly disrupts their circadian rhythms and leaves astronauts in a bind when it comes to sleep! 

3. Noise and Light Interferences 

Living in a place like the ISS is not only one of the most unique places to call home, but it is also the one place where humanity has to rely solely on technology for all of its needs. It is a harsh, unforgiving place where they are reliant on machines to support their physiological needs. That also means natural cues are not present, meaning that artificial noise and light can disrupt their sleep even more and lead to less sleep, which can cause sleep disorders and other issues (Source: PubMed).  

4.  Stress and Workload

Sure, there are challenges in terms of the demanding workload that astronauts face maintaining the space station. However, oxidative stress is also a major concern for them. Living in space in microgravity can lead to stress on the body, but we can’t forget that many astronauts are also exposed to space radiation. The challenging environment can cause a lot of stress on the body, leading to health challenges and even frequent wakings throughout the night (Source: PubMed).   

How Astronauts Sleep in Space for Proper Rest and Recovery 

Because of the lack of gravity and the unique circumstances astronauts find themselves in, they use unique sleeping methods to help ensure that they rest and recover. For those who live on the International Space Station (ISS), their sleeping quarters are generally the size of a phone booth. Each sleeping quarter contains a sleeping bag that is tethered to the wall, which is required unless they want to float around the cabin and potentially bump into things.  
 
Each astronaut, to mitigate the noise and light issues aboard the ship, wears a pair of earplugs to combat the noise. Many of them also wear face masks to avoid the bright lights that come with each and every sunrise or sunset over the horizon of planet Earth. According to reports by NASA, their astronauts are all scheduled to get roughly eight to eight and a half hours of sleep, but many of them only report getting six hours of sleep.  

Coping Methods Astronauts Use to Prioritize Adequate Sleep 

Because of the unique issues that astronauts face when trying to get proper rest, there are several coping mechanisms that they use and are provided by organizations like NASA. Some of these methods include the use of light therapy, which can help with enhancing alertness. Additionally, sleep cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another important method used to help crew members reduce undesirable sleep behaviors so they can properly rest.  
 
Finally, last but certainly not least, one of the top methods astronauts use—if needed—is the use of pharmaceutical products. This only happens after they have tried everything else to get sleep, and there are three classes of medication that are used at NASA. Their sleep aids ensure safety and effectiveness while also protecting the health and well-being of their crew members on the ISS.  

With a Unique Lifestyle, Astronauts Cope as Best as They Can 

It’s true that astronauts have the coolest job in the world, but it is not without its challenges. Having to endure 16 sunsets and 16 sunrises each and every day cannot be easy, but with proper coping mechanisms, astronauts can improve their rest and recovery. We hope that you learned something new about astronauts and sleeping in space! What other facts about space and sleep do you know?  

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Written by

Dr Aqsa

As a Medical Doctor, Dr Aqsa, uses her knowledge to craft complex medical information that is understandable to the general public. For years, she has tried to improve health literacy and empower readers with valuable health knowledge through her articles, blog posts, and educational materials.

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