11 Fascinating Facts About Living and Working on the ISS

2. Sleeping in Space: Resting Among the Stars

Sleep in space is a unique experience, with astronauts adapting to a 90-minute day-night cycle as the ISS orbits Earth. Without the natural cues of sunrise and sunset, crew members rely on scheduled sleep periods, aided by sleep masks and earplugs to block out ambient noise and light. The absence of gravity affects the body's natural sleep posture, often resulting in astronauts sleeping in a vertical position, secured in sleeping bags to prevent drifting. This adaptation highlights the importance of routine and environmental control in achieving quality rest, insights that can be applied to improve sleep hygiene on Earth.