Sleeping in Space

by Nancy P. Moreno, Ph.D. Barbara Z. Tharp, M.S. Gregory L. Vogt, Ed.D.

RESOURCES For online presentations of each activity and downloadable slide sets for classroom use, visit http://www.bioedonline.org or http://www.k8science.org.

© 2012 by Baylor College of Medicine © 2012 by Baylor College of Medicine SOURCE URLs All rights reserved. BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Printed in the United States of America, Second Edition. BIOED ONLINE / K8 SCIENCE www.bioedonline.org / www.k8science.org ISBN-13: 978-1-888997-58-3 CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH www.bcm.edu/edoutreach

Teacher Resources from the Center for Educational Outreach at Baylor College of Medicine. HARVARD UNIVERSITY The mark “BioEd” is a service mark of Baylor College of Medicine. HEALTHY SLEEP http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu The information contained in this publication is intended solely to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of health care topics. This information is for educational pur- INDIANA UNIVERSITY poses only and should in no way be taken to be the provision or practice of medical, nursing or PLANTS-IN-MOTION professional health care advice or services. The information should not be considered complete and http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu should not be used in place of a visit, call or consultation with a physician or other health care provider, or the advice thereof. The information obtained from this publication is not exhaustive and does ITOUCHMAP.COM not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their treatments. Call or see a physician or www.itouchmap.com other health care provider promptly for any health care-related questions. MEDLINE PLUS The activities described in this book are intended for school-age children under direct supervision of http://medlineplus.gov adults. The authors, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and the National Space Biomedical Research ( ) Institute NSBRI cannot be responsible for any accidents or injuries that may result from conduct NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE of the activities, from not specifically following directions, or from ignoring cautions contained in the ADMINISTRATION (NASA) text. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed in NASA ASTRONOMY PICTURE OF THE DAY this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod BCM, NSBRI or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Cover: Illustrations of moon, clock, sun, world and waking female © Adobe, Inc. Illustrations NASA CONNECT™ of globe model with flashlight and graphs by M.S. Young; protractor by G.L. Vogt from http://connect.larc.nasa.gov Space Educator’s Handbook, NASA Johnson Space Center. Photographs of girl with clock face, girl holding globe and sleeping student © PunchStock. Image of astronauts courtesy of NASA. NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER Space Educator’s Handbook Authors: Nancy P. Moreno, Ph.D., Barbara Z. Tharp, M.S., and Gregory L. Vogt, Ed.D. http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/SEH/sundialn.pdf Senior Editor: James P. Denk, M.A. Creative Director and Editor: Martha S. Young, B.F.A. NASA IMAGES www.nasaimages.org ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of Bobby R. Alford, M.D., Jeffrey P. Sutton, M.D., Ph.D., William A. Thomson, Ph.D., Laurence R. Young, Sc.D., Jeanne L. Becker, Ph.D., and Kathy NATIONAL HEART, LUNG AND BLOOD Major, B.A., as well as the contributions of the following science reviewers: Mary A. Carskadon, INSTITUTE, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH www.nhlbi.nih.gov Ph.D., Kimberly Chang, Ph.D., Charles A. Czeisler, Ph.D., M.D., David F. Dinges, Ph.D., Hans P.A. Van

Dongen, Ph.D., and Kenneth P. Wright, Jr., Ph.D. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC We especially thank Siobhan Banks, Ph.D., and Daniel Mollicone, Ph.D., the science reviewers for this ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) revised and updated version of the guide. Preparation of this guide would not have been possible NATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL DATA CENTER without the invaluable assistance of the following field test teachers: Yolanda Adams, Jeri Alloway, www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/Declination.jsp Vivian Ashley, Susan Babac, Henrietta Barrera, Paula Clark, Carol Daniels, Barbara Foreman, Carolyn Hopper, Susan King-Martin, Mary Helen Kirby, Sue Klein, Jacqueline McMahon, Sandra Prill, Carol NATIONAL UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM Reams, Mary Ellen Reid, Saundra Saunders, Angi Signorelli, and Marcia Wutke. www.nurp.noaa.gov

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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS http://commons.wikimedia.org A UniquE Partnership: NASA and thE NSBRI TEaming witH bEnEfits by Jeffrey P. Sutton, M.D., Ph.D., Director, National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI)

pace is a collaborations and revolutionary help guide the Institute in achieving Schallenging research advances that result from its goals and objectives. environment for them is enormous and unprec- It will become necessary to the human body. edented, with substantial benefits perform more investigations in the With long-duration for both the space program and the unique environment of space. The missions, the American people. vision of using extended exposure physical and Through our strategic plan, the to microgravity as a laboratory for psychological NSBRI takes a leadership role discovery and exploration builds stresses and risks to Dr. Jeffrey P. Sutton in countermeasure development upon the legacy of NASA and our astronauts are significant. Finding and space life sciences education. quest to push the frontier of human answers to these health concerns is The results-oriented research and understanding about nature and at the heart of the National Space development program is integrated ourselves. Biomedical Research Institute’s and implemented using focused The NSBRI is maturing in an program. In turn, the Institute’s teams, with scientific and manage- era of unparalleled scientific and research is helping to enhance ment directives that are innova- technological advancement and medical care on Earth. tive and dynamic. An active Board opportunity. We are excited by the The NSBRI, a unique partner- of Directors, External Advisory challenges confronting us, and by ship between NASA and the aca- Council, Board of Scientific our collective ability to enhance demic and industrial communities, Counselors, User Panel, Industry human health and well-being is advancing biomedical research Forum and academic Consortium in space, and on Earth. with the goal of ensuring a safe and productive long-term human NSBRI RESEARCH AREAS presence in space. By developing CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS group behavioral health during flight and post flight. new approaches and countermea- The amount of blood in the body is reduced when astro- People on Earth can benefit from relevant assessment sures to prevent, minimize and nauts are in microgravity. The heart grows smaller and tests, monitoring and intervention. weaker, which makes astronauts feel dizzy and weak RADIATION EFFECTS AND CANCER reverse critical risks to health, when they return to Earth. Heart failure and diabetes, Exploration missions will expose astronauts to greater the Institute plays an essential, experienced by many people on Earth, lead to similar levels and more varied types of radiation. Radiation problems. enabling role for NASA. The exposure can lead to many health problems, including NSBRI bridges the research, tech- HUMAN FACTORS AND PERFORMANCE acute effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin nological and clinical expertise of Many factors can impact an astronaut’s ability to injury and changes to white blood cell counts and the work well in space or on the lunar surface. NSBRI is immune system. Longer-term effects include damage the biomedical community with studying ways to improve daily living and keep crew- to the eyes, gastrointestinal system, lungs and central the scientific, engineering and members healthy, productive and safe during explora- nervous system, and increased cancer risk. Learning operational expertise of NASA. tion missions. Efforts focus on reducing performance how to keep astronauts safe from radiation may With nearly 60 science, tech- errors, improving nutrition, examining ways to improve improve cancer treatments for people on Earth. sleep and scheduling of work shifts, and studying SENSORIMOTOR AND BALANCE ISSUES nology and education projects, how specific types of lighting in the craft and habitat During their first days in space, astronauts can the NSBRI engages investigators can improve alertness and performance. become dizzy and nauseous. Eventually they adjust, at leading institutions across the MUSCLE AND BONE LOSS but once they return to Earth, they have a hard time nation to conduct goal-directed, When muscles and bones do not have to work walking and standing upright. Finding ways to counter- peer-reviewed research in a team against gravity, they weaken and begin to waste away. act these effects could benefit millions of Americans Special exercises and other strategies to help astro- with balance disorders. approach. Key working relation- nauts’ bones and muscles stay strong in space also SMART MEDICAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY ships have been established with may help older and bedridden people, who experience Since astronauts on long-duration missions will not be similar problems on Earth, as well as people whose end users, including astronauts able to return quickly to Earth, new methods of remote work requires intense physical exertion, like firefighters and flight surgeons at Johnson medical diagnosis and treatment are necessary. These and construction workers. Space Center, NASA scientists systems must be small, low-power, noninvasive and and engineers, other federal NEUROBEHAVIORAL AND STRESS FACTORS versatile. Portable medical care systems that monitor, To ensure astronaut readiness for space flight, diagnose and treat major illness and trauma during agencies, industry and interna- preflight prevention programs are being developed flight will have immediate benefits to medical care tional partners. The value of these to avoid as many risks as possible to individual and on Earth.

For current, in-depth information on NSBRI’s cutting-edge research and innovative technologies, visit www.nsbri.org. Teaming With Benefits © 2012 Baylor College of Medicine The Science of Sleep and Daily Rhythms iii BioEd Online | K8 Science OVERVIEW Language arts activity in which students learn from times they have had difficulty sleeping, read about how astronauts sleep in space, and write about unusual places in which they have slept. Many different factors affect the quality of sleep. Astronauts traveling in space experience many disruptions

to their normal sleep patterns. Activity SlEEping In SpAcE

any factors can impact the quality all can make it difficult to sleep. In addi- Why Do We Sleep? Mof sleep, and everyone has difficulty tion, many visual cues on Earth, includ- sleeping from time to time. Excitement, ing the normal 24-hour cycle of light Scientists still are trying anxiety or stress, consumption of stimu- and darkness that provides time cues to to answer this question. lants or certain foods close to bedtime, the body’s internal clock, are different in Some people believe that unusual surroundings, noises, travel space, or absent altogether. by slowing metabolism, across time zones, or changes in daily Since lack of sleep can seriously affect sleep helps the body recov- schedules can make sleeping difficult. performance on physical and mental er from activities carried Insomnia—an ongoing inability to get tasks, it is important to help astronauts out during waking hours, enough sleep to feel rested during the overcome sleeping problems. Several days and that sleep also helps day—occurs when sleep problems extend before launching into space, for example, us form memories. Some beyond a night or two. More than 50% of they are exposed to bright lights at specif- animals may sleep to save Americans suffer from occasional bouts ic times, a controlled environment, and energy during hours when of insomnia or other sleep disorders. programmed meal periods to help reset it is too dark or too danger- Astronauts may experience more dis- their bodies’ internal clocks to match the ous to hunt for food. ruptions of normal sleep patterns than schedules followed in space. Research anyone else. The intense work schedule, has shown that it is possible to program Effects of unusual surroundings, occasional space humans to a day/night cycle similar to Sleeplessness motion sickness, cramped work quarters, the one on Mars (24.65 Earth hours). Sleeplessness diminishes stress, and excitement of being in space Research to help astronauts sleep better mental and physical perfor- also can help people on Earth with simi- mance. Just one sleepless SCIENCE EDUCATION CONTENT STANDARDS* lar sleep problems. night can impair perfor- GRADES 6-12 mance as much as being LIFE SCIENCE TIME intoxicated from alcohol. • Behavior is one kind of response an organism can 10 minutes for setup; 30 minutes to con- In addition, we are more make to an internal or external stimulus. duct activity susceptible to the effects SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL of drugs and alcohol PERSPECTIVES MATERIALS when we’re sleepy than • The potential for accidents and the existence of Copy of student sheet when we are well-rested. hazards impose the need for injury prevention. • Sleepiness can build up day SCIENCE, HEALTH & MATH SKILLS • Identifying common elements SETUP & MANAGEMENT after day, creating a sleep • Making extensions to new situations Conduct this activity with the entire class. “debt” that may be hard to Students may read the story, “Sleeping in “pay back.” Many nights of * National Research Council. 1996. National Science Education Standards. Washington, D.C., National Academies Press. Space,” individually, or they may work in good sleep may be needed teams. to recover.

Sleeping in Space © 2012 Baylor College of Medicine The Science of Sleep and Daily Rhythms 1 BioEd Online | K8 Science PROCEDURE 1. Ask students to remember an occasion when they had difficulty sleeping. Have Tips for Students them share their experiences with the rest of the class, and list the experi- Harvard News Office. Students can do several ences on the board or on an overhead. things to make sure they Scenarios suggested by students might are rested and ready to include: the night before an exciting perform well in school.

event, such as a birthday party; trying Photo by Kris Snibbe/ • Avoid soft drinks or to sleep in the car during a long trip; foods with caffeine or being awakened by strange or fright- (e.g., chocolate, some ening noises at night. Certain wavelengths in the blue carbonated beverages, 2. Encourage students to think carefully portion of the visible spectrum alter coffee, tea), especially about the list and to identify common melatonin production, thereby affecting close to bedtime. elements among the events. Such ele- the human circadian rhythm. “Blue light” Nicotine (from smoking) ments could include: sleeping in places lamps may help to promote a more normal, and alcohol also inter- other than home; sleeping before or healthy sleep cycle for astronauts living fere with sleep. after unusual events; sleeping when and working in space. On Earth, blue light- • Stick to a regular one’s physical state is not normal (sick ing can be modified for people with sleep schedule for going to with an itchy rash, etc.). disorders and to help shift workers adjust bed and waking up, 3. Mention to students that they will be their biological clocks. and get bright light in reading about a situation in which it is the morning to help very difficult to sleep—being an astro- EXTENSIONS program your biological naut in space. Ask, Do you think astronauts • Have students create drawings to clock. can sleep as well in space as they do at home? accompany and illustrate their paragraphs • Do some light exercise What might be different about sleeping in space? on sleeping. in the late afternoon How do you think the space station environment • Encourage students to learn more (but not in the evening affects astronauts’ physical and mental perfor- about living and working in space by before going to bed). mance? How might microgravity—and the feeling visiting websites of the National Space • Recognize that most of weightlessness experienced while orbiting Earth— Biomedical Research Institute (www. students need at least affect sleep? nsbri.org) and NASA (www.nasa.gov); nine to ten hours of 4. After students have offered their com- and/or have them investigate research on continuous sleep per ments, distribute the student sheets. the relationship between sleep and per- night, and plan sched- 5. Students may read the essay and com- formance at Harvard University’s Healthy ules accordingly. plete the writing extensions on their Sleep website (http://healthysleep.med. • If you have trouble fall- own or in small groups. harvard.edu). ing asleep, drink a glass 6. Allow students to share their work by • Scientists are using mathemati- of warm milk, which having them read their paragraphs or cal models to predict alertness levels for contains tryptophan, an by displaying their paragraphs some- astronauts and airplane pilots under a amino acid that can aid where in class. variety of conditions. These predictions sleep. 7. Conduct a class discussion about the can increase safety by enabling astronauts importance of getting enough sleep. and pilots to know when they are most Begin by telling students that when you prone to mistakes caused by sleepiness. don’t get enough sleep, it can be hard Have students think of other ways we use to stay alert, especially if you work at mathematical models to make predictions night. Ask, What could happen if someone (weather predictions, stock market drives or operates dangerous equipment when he or predictions, etc.). she is drowsy? Help students understand the connection between sleep and performance on mental or physical tasks.

Read the article, then complete the items beneath it on a separate sheet of paper. ave you ever slept in a mission day. But like on Earth, Center in Houston, Texas, plays Hsleeping bag? Maybe when they may wake up in the middle music to the crew. The ISS crew you went camping or slept over of their sleep period, or stay up must use an alarm to wake up. at a friend’s house? When astro- late to look out the window. The nauts sleep on the space shuttle or excitement of being in space, the International Space Station motion sickness, and other fac- (ISS), they fasten themselves into tors can disrupt an astronaut’s special sleeping bags. In space, sleep pattern. Crewmembers easily can hear each other, so they may need to wear earplugs during their sleep periods. Astronaut Tracy Caldwell, NASA STS-118 mission specialist, referring to checklists as she operates the shuttle’s remote robotic arm. Astronauts’ complex tasks require that they get enough sleep to function at their best. Astronaut Daniel Tani, NASA ISS Getting enough sleep is a Expedition 16 flight engineer, sleeps while priority for astronauts in space. floating in his sleeping bag on the space Astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, Without sufficient sleep, they station. It can be difficult to sleep in NASA STS-113 mission specialist, is about are more likely to make mis- cramped, unfamiliar quarters. to take his first of three spacewalks takes and may not perform well during this mission. Could you sleep the there is no “up” or “down,” and during their complex tasks. night before your own spacewalk? the effects of gravity are mini- Researchers with the National mized. As a result, astronauts Sleeping in the shuttle’s cock- Space Biomedical Research feel weightless, and can sleep in pit is especially difficult because Institute are working to improve any orientation. But they have to the sun “rises” every 90 minutes astronauts’ sleep and schedul- attach themselves to a seat or wall while the shuttle orbits Earth. ing of work shifts. For instance, inside the crew cabin or sleeping The sunlight and warmth enter- these scientists are learning how compartment, so they don’t float ing the cockpit window are specific types of light can increase around and bump into something enough to disturb a sleeper who alertness and performance in while they sleep. is not wearing a blindfold. When space. Their findings also will Generally, astronauts are sched- it is time to wake up on the space help people on Earth who have uled for eight hours of sleep each shuttle, the Mission Control sleep problems.

1. List at least three ways in which sleeping in space is just like sleeping on Earth.

2. List at least three ways in which sleeping in space is different from sleeping on Earth.

3. Write a paragraph about the most unusual place in which you ever have slept. Include answers to the following questions. a. Where did you sleep? b. How well did you sleep? c. How did you feel when you woke up? d. Would you like to sleep there every day?

Adapted from “Space Sleep,” NASA, http://space flight.nasa.gov/living/spacesleep/index.html. Photos courtesy of NASA, www.nasaimages.org.