I am a final year medical student at the University of Edinburgh. From my time at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh I have come to discover my passion for physiology. I am fascinated with how the human body is able to adapt to its living environment to maintain homeostasis. I remember learning about long distance runners training at high altitudes to increase their red blood cell count and in turn enhance their aerobic capacity, and being amazed at the way our bodies can adapt in extreme environments.
Our current understanding of physiology is based on Earth’s environment; gravity, radiation, oxygen, and water. These parameters shape our current knowledge of the development and functionality of human physiology, anatomy, and function.
Before sending more and more people into Space for increasing periods of time, it is vital we understand how the conditions of Space affect the human body. Specifically, we are interested in answering questions such as ‘How normal sleep is affected in Space?’ and ‘How can we preserve the function of sleep in astronauts?’~ The future of Space Exploration/Travel is dependent on answering these vital questions,
By varying the different parameters that determine the normal function of body systems, we have the opportunity to gain new insights into the pathophysiology of common diseases such as multiple sclerosis, hydrocephalus, and dementia. For example, if there is stagnation of cerebral spinal fluid flow in patients with multiple sclerosis, could this lead to exacerbations of the disease?
We’ve started this website to shed light on, and get more people talking about the pertinent issues with Sleep in Space. By doing so we hope to create more conversations around these exciting areas of up and coming research to advance the novice field of Sleep Space Medicine.
Rachael Buttoo, Founder
My Proposed Outline for an Approach to Space-Sleep Medicine:
Cosmic Radiation
A. Space Radiation and Human Exposure
B. Neurological Effects of Space Radiation
Microgravity
A. Sleep characteristics and how they change with microgravity and cosmic radiation B. Free Water Redistribution a. Critical understanding of the microcirculation and homeostasis b. Headward fluid shifts c. Upward shift of the brain within the skull d. White matter changes C. Vestibular Side Effects D. Metabolism a. DNA b. Stem cell differentiation c. Oxidative stress
Sleep and Social Isolation
A. Circadian Rhythm and Sleep. Development of sleep pods which can be synchronized to the astronaut’s circadian rhythms
– Use of stagnant air with elevated CO2 levels around the astronaut’s mouth which could be used to treat sleep apnea
B. Sensation and Perception. Use of music and color to adjust mood
C. Stress, Decision Making and Risk-taking Behaviour