Sleep stability and cognitive function in an arctic martian analogue

Marc Ó Grí, Rebecca S. Blue, Kenneth D. Cohen, Derek T. O'Keeffe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Human performance is affected by sleep disruption and sleep deprivation can critically affect mission outcome in both spacefl ight and other extreme environments. In this study, the seven-person crew (four men, three women) lived a Martian sol (24.65 h) for 37 d during a long-term stay at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) on Devon Island, Canada. Crewmembers underwent cardiopulmonary monitoring for signs of circadian disruption and completed a modifi ed Pittsburgh Sleep Diary to monitor subjective fatigue. Crewmembers underwent cognitive testing to identify the effects, if any, of sleep disruption upon cognitive skill. Methods: A Martian sol was implemented for 37 d during the Arctic mission. Each crewmember completed an adapted version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Diary in tandem with electrocardiograph (ECG) cardiopulmonary monitoring of sleep by the Cardiac Adapted Sleep Parameters Electrocardiogram Recorder (CASPER). Crewmembers also underwent cognitive testing during this time period. Results: Sleep diary data indicate improvement in alertness with the onset of the sol (fatigue decreasing from 5.1 to 4.0, alertness increasing from 6.1 to 7.0). Cardiopulmonary data suggest sleep instability, though trends were not statistically signifi cant. Crewmember decision speed time scores improved from pre-Mars to Mars (average improving from 66.5 to 84.0%), though the remainder of cognitive testing results were not significant. Discussion: While subjective data demonstrate improved sleep and alertness during the sol, objective data demonstrate no signifi cant alteration of sleep patterns. There was no apparent cognitive decline over the course of the mission.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)434-441
Number of pages8
JournalAviation Space and Environmental Medicine
Volume82
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardiopulmonary coupling
  • Circadian rhythm
  • Cognition
  • Disentrainment
  • Extreme environments
  • Heart rate variability
  • Manned spacefl ight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sleep stability and cognitive function in an arctic martian analogue'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this