AD | One of Flora’s all-time favourite films (and mine too) is WALL-E. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out, it’s a Pixar classic, an animated love story with an ecological message too. WALL-E is a lonely little clean up robot on a ruined, uninhabited and rubbish-filled Earth in 2105. He falls in love with EVE, the robot probe who’s sent down to Earth from the Axiom spaceship to search for possible signs of life. Living, eating, and even sleeping in space is not a choice in 2105, it’s a necessity for mankind. As someone who frequently struggles to get a good night’s sleep, I thought it would be interesting to see how an astronaut manages with sleeping in space. With both National Bed Month and World Sleep Day just around the corner, could I pick up any sleep tips from them?
Contents
Living in the stars
Astronauts seem to have very busy lives and each 12-hour working day is carefully planned by mission control centres in Houston or Moscow. Much of the crew’s time is spent preparing and carrying out scientific and experiments. But the International Space Station is like a large, complicated house that needs constant care and attention. Would you believe that astronauts are also in charge of cleaning and repairs? I mean, wherever do they stash their feather dusters and tool kits? I bet that’s a question Tim Peake was never asked…
They get three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner – and drinks and snacks are always available. They also spend at least two hours each day exercising to stay fit, healthy, and prevent bone and muscle loss. Otherwise they’d all look like the Axiom residents in WALL-E.
Sleeping in the stars
When astronauts aren’t eating, cleaning, repairing, or carrying out their experiments and research, of course they’re sleeping. However, in space everything is weightless. So they need to attach their sleeping bags to a wall or a ceiling otherwise they’d float around and bump into something! It’s important that sleeping quarters are well ventilated too, to prevent astronauts waking up oxygen-deprived in a bubble of their own exhaled carbon dioxide.
With 16 sunsets and sunrises every 24 hours on the ISS, astronauts are usually scheduled for eight hours of sleep at the end of each mission day. With eyeshades or pull down shutters over the windows to keep out the sunlight while they are sleeping. Just imagine the havoc that plays with your body’s circadian rhythm, and the confusion of never knowing whether it’s morning or evening.
NASA does help though, they provide Sleep Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) psychological support for astronauts before, during and after flight to help their brains transition into sleep mode. Herbal teas are also on offer and, if all else fails, they can choose to take a melatonin supplement to regulate sleep. (Melatonin, a naturally produced hormone in the human body, is a popular over-the-counter sleep aid).
Sleeping on Earth
Somewhat to my surprise, I think there are some ideas I can absorb from astronauts. Tips such a dark, ventilated environment, and over the counter sleep aids are all things I’ve tried. What I haven’t tried is a sleep schedule though. Usually I go to bed when I’m tired (anywhere between 11.00pm and 12.00am) and read until my eyes are closing. Then I wake up around 3.00am and stay awake for couple of hours, before drifting off again until the alarm shrieks into life at 7.00am.
I know I’m not alone in this though, as many of my friends struggle with sleep too. Whether it’s a stressful day, a pulled muscle, or an aching back, a bad night’s sleep definitely leads to a lack of positive wellbeing. Most of us know how important a good quality mattress is to support a good night’s sleep. Experts also recommend replacing your mattress every ten years or so. Here’s where NASA might be able to help me again, as our current one is definitely nearing the end of its life. Memory foam mattresses aren’t new but ones that have been developed with NASA technology are certainly ones to look into.
A new NASA-inspired mattress
TEMPUR® * was first created by NASA in the 1970s to cushion astronauts during lift-off as they journeyed into space. When you think about the tremendous forces behind a rocket launch, it’s no wonder that something to evenly distribute weight and pressure was (and still is) a must. Today, after much research and development, the very same material lies at the core of all TEMPUR® mattresses and pillows. And the company is rightly proud that theirs is still the only mattress product recognised by NASA and certified by the Space Foundation.
As it happens, Alan already has a TEMPUR® pillow because he suffers from an occasional stiff neck, a legacy from a previous job. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so they say, or in Alan’s case, sleeping. He says the pillow works very well for him although I find it a little too firm for me. But TEMPUR® offer a range of four different mattresses to choose from, which conform to individual body weight and warmth for personalised pressure relief and support. So I’m sure one of those would be perfect for us in due course. And this time we’ll make sure we try them out in our local store first (ignoring all strange looks from other customers) rather than just relying on online reviews.
Sleeping like an astronaut
Well, I thought I’d investigate astronauts and their sleeping habits for a bit of fun but, as it turns out, they do have some transferable tips and tricks. In common with many of us, I do have poor sleep habits, so herbal teas, sleep sprays, OTC supplements, and a well ventilated room, are all things that I’m going to continue to use. And while investing in a new mattress is a little way off at the moment, I’m certainly going to have a go with a sleep schedule. Partly because it’s clearly good enough for NASA, and partly because you just can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep, can you?
* This post is in conjunction with TEMPUR® but all thoughts are my own.
Loved reading this post Lisa. I have seen the movie Wall-e but had almost forgot the story. My kids have that toy too the one you have featured. Memory foam mattresses are really good and very comfortable. I also have the pillow but I find it a bit too firm for me hehe. My problem with sleep is that the moment I lie down I will go to sleep. I have the same habit of staying up late and the last thing is reading until my eye start to close then wake up at 5 am. Great tips thanks for sharing. One more thing I did not know about 16 sunsets and sunrises in 24 hours? It must be so hard for the astronauts to adjust and live there 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
We sound so similar, Via, books at bedtime and WALL-E! I’m glad you said that about memory foam mattresses as we have decided our next mattress will be one in due course, so good to get a friendly recommendation. And yes, I was quite shocked to find out about all those sunrises and sunsets, it must be exhausting 🙂
I can’t watch WALL-E anymore because I end up crying every time. Those damned robot eyes just get me right where it hurts. But I love this post! A good sleep schedule is something I have found I can’t really compromise on these days – if my sleep is all over the place, my mental health takes a total nose dive. I love a good sleep spray to help me get to sleep, and I always have the window cracked open for constant fresh air & to keep the room cool. Little things, but they make a huge difference. …just me who wants a nap now?
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.com
I know exactly what you mean about WALL-E, he’s so expressive! I’d love to know more about your sleep schedule though, which clearly works well for you. I’ve no idea where to start so I might DM you for some more ideas 🙂 And no, definitely not just you who wants/needs a nap now, haha xx
This is such an interesting post, Lisa! I remember watching the ‘Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut’ program last year and found it so fascinating. It sounds like such a challenging thing to do anyway, and without enough sleep it must be nearly impossible! Wow, 16 sunsets and sunrises in 24 hours is a crazy amount! These all sound like great tips, I also have a memory foam mattress and I am sure it helps and I’ve tried herbal tea for sleep before and it seems to do the trick. A mattress with NASA inspired technology must be good, especially with personalised support for each individual. Thank you for sharing, such an informative and fab post! <3 xxx
Oh wow, that sounds like a fab programme, I missed that, I’ll have to see if I can find it for Flora too. And great to hear that a memory foam mattress is one you’d recommend – they’re definitely not an economy purchase but I do think it’s one that we’re going to invest in. Sadly, I can’t drink herbal tea (or rather I won’t, they always taste so grim, haha!). Thank you for your lovely comment, I’m so pleased you found this post interesting 🙂 xxx
What a unique idea for a post! This was so interesting, and helpful for the next time I can’t sleep.
Ash | thisdreamsalive.wordpress.com
Oh, thank you, I’m so glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Omg this is so interesting!! I love that you turned a simple post about a mattress into something where I have learnt a lot! Thank you for sharing and hope your sleep improves!:)
I owe my inspiration to WALL-E, haha, but thank you so much, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post! 🙂
This post is so interesting and unusual! I love it! I am so unfamiliar with astronauts, their life, life in space! but how fascinating! I had seen a video of an astronaut washing her hair and it was quite something with the water bubbling and flying around
Wow, I bet that video was amazing, I can’t even begin to imagine how you’d cope with all the bubbles, haha!
I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t seen Wall-E either oops! This post is great though and if we weren’t going travelling I’d definitely want to invest in a much comfier mattress! xx
http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk
Ah well, there’s plenty of time to watch WALL-E, haha. And good luck with your travels, will look forward to reading some blogs about them in due course! xx
This was such an interesting post to read! I love the Wall-e movie I haven’t seen if for years though so this has reminded me to rewatch it. My sleep also hasn’t been great recently I have always woke up during the night be it seems to be more frequent, I’m going to be trying out some sleep sprays and I’m sure I need new pillows! Great post x
Ah, I’m sure you’ll love WALL-E all over again 🙂 And I can highly recommend this works pillow sprays, they work brilliantly! x
This is so interesting! I’ve recently read Tim Peake’s Ask an Astronaut book and he talks a lot about sleeping in space, I found it so fascinating! I’ve also never seen Wall-E I’m ashamed to stay! My sleep schedule is really up and down but I try and stick to a routine, especially because my toddler insists on waking up so early!
Hels xx
Oooh, I’ll have to look out for Tim’s book that sounds very interesting. And you must watch WALL-E, I’m sure Dougie would love it too (I never complain when Flora wants to watch it again and again, haha) xx
This was an amazing post Lisa! So fun and informative. I find space fascinating and the work that astronauts do. I still need to get myself a copy of Tim’s book! I’ve not long had a new (very expensive!) mattress and it’s a dream but unfortunately I still don’t get very good quality sleep. I wake up on average around 4 times a night, either needing a wee or because my hips are hurting. The hip pain I’ve dealt with for years, no idea what it is and nothing truly helps. Sigh.
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Aw, thank you so much, Jenny, that’s so kind of you! I’m so sorry to hear about the hip pain. I think my sciatic scar tissue is partly what wakes me up as well, so that’s why I’m keen on getting a TEMPUR in due course. From everything I’ve read, I’m sure it would be a huge help. I do hope you can find a solution to yours at some point, bad sleep makes life so miserable xx
This was such an original and interesting topic for a post, Lisa! I never really thought about all the complexities involved in getting a good night sleep as an astronaut, so I learned a lot. And you are very right, many of them can be applied to us here on earth, too. The single biggest thing that seems to contribute to me getting a good night’s sleep is getting off all my devices for at least an hour or two before turning in. This is hard with the blog and also because I love Netflix — but I love feeling rested too!
Thank you so much, Joan 🙂 And yes, switching off electronic devices before going to bed is a must, it’s something I try very hard to do but usually fail. The lure of Instagram, haha 🙂
This was such an interesting post! I’m not sure how I feel about memory foam mattresses but I’d love to try the pillow as I do suffer from stiff necks and all!
Jessica & James
Thank you 🙂 I’m hoping a memory foam mattress with personalised support will be the answer to my persistent back pain – nothing else has worked so far!
Wall*E is one of my favourite Disney Pixar movies. It’s such a heart warming feel good movie that always puts a smile on my face. Thanks for reminder, it made me smile thinking about the movie. I had no idea there was mattress with NASA inspired technology! A new mattress isn’t something I need right now but, this one, is something to consider in the future. I always find a sleep better when I stick to a sleep routine and try to go to bed at the same time every night. With my phone as far away as possible so I’m not distracted by it.
I am really going to have to try a proper sleep routine, I think so many people seem to swear by them, presumably because they work! And yes, phones are banned in our bedroom for that very reason. No electronic devices allowed!
I wondered where the Nasa thing was going at first then it suddenly made sense! I’ve always had awful sleeping habits and no mattress or routine has ever quite worked out for me. My bed now isn’t a standard size either which makes shopping for new ones really hard! Erm…I’ve never seen Wall-E *hides* but I hope the astronaut tips work for you! x
Sophie
Glow Steady
I think it’s amazing how many of us suffer from erratic sleeping patterns, but I’m hoping that some (or all) of these tips from space are going to help me. And yes, do try and watch WALL-E, I’m sure you’d love it 🙂 x
First, can I say what a cute feature pic you have there 😀 That movie was so cute yet sad 🙁 🙁 It’s so adorable and Wall-E looks super cute!! I’ve seen tons of ads from Tempur and have longed for there beds they ALWAYS look like mattress heaven lolol. I can see why they were made for astronauts cause damn lol 16 sunsets and sucnrise 😮 woahhh bruh! Thanks for sharing all your lovely tips! 😀
xx Lena
I know, WALL-E is the absolute cutest, isn’t he? TEMPUR do make the mattresses of dreams, that’s for sure. Not the cheapest but worth the investment, I think, haha! x
Oh wow 16 sunsets and rises in one day? I have a temper pedic mattress at home and love it!
I know, it’s mind-boggling, haha. And thank you, that’s really good to know, personal recommendations are so much better than website reviews! x
Such an interesting post.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂