A sleep system for astronauts using biometric tracking and immersive VR to counteract circadian disruption and improve well-being during long-haul space missions.
Project Overview
Design Process
Research-led and iterative, involving concept ideation, exploration of behavioural science and environmental psychology, with emerging tech like VR.
Technologies Used
VR conceptually, AI visual ideation, Biometric wearables conceptually
Challenges Faced
Creating a sleep solution that works within the physical, psychological, and operational constraints of space travel
Mitigating negative effects of blue light with respect to sleep
Understanding the complexities of physics in microgravity
Interdisciplinarity
Space physiology, environmental psychology, wearable tech, VR for therapy
Roles & Responsibilities
Sole researcher, designer, and presenter of the concept; synthesised research and proposed speculative but grounded product system.
Team & Timelines
Individual project presented in academic/proposal setting; informed by existing NASA research and astronaut reports.
3 hours a week over 2 months
Research & Discovery
From the International Space Station, astronauts experience 16 day-night cycles every 24 hours
The ISS orbits the earth every 90 minutes, so astronauts aboard can experience 16 sunrises and sunsets in 24 hours. This is the main cause of circadian misalignments - confusing the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep and work processes. Basically, on earth we can roughly tell the time of day by looking at the sky, whereas in space there is no visual indicator of this.
diary studies
Astronauts perceive an arbitrary notion of the passage of time and tend to face sleeping problems. The only solutions at hand, sleeping pills, earplugs and masks only seem to give temporary solutions.
“It’s 21:30, only 6.5 hours until duty calls. Time to get some sleep. If I could only lower my level of excitement!”- 2017
In the short term, sleep loss can reduce the crew’s work performance, whilst in in the long-term, extreme fatigue and depression are possible. This is exasperated if several or all crew members are having the same sleeping issues.
Key Stakeholder Involvement
Business needs
NASA and other space agencies need astronauts to be alert, healthy, and mentally resilient during long-haul expeditions for the results of the space expedition to be effectual.
Astronaut needs
Better sleep environments that support different sleep/relaxation habits
Tools to manage environmental stress on their sleep so they can feel agency in their sleep routine
“Sleep needs to be a priority. Tasks, experiments, and communications should be scheduled with the astronauts' requirements for sleep in mind. Provisions should be made for quality sleep. ”
NASA 2001
Refining the Scope & Technology
Problem Statement
How might we create a holistic service that improves sleep performance to enhance both the physiological and psychological well-being of astronauts in long-haul space expeditions?
An overall increase in sleep quality was measured in participants.
An increase in sleepiness and decrease in alertness were measured, when using VR before sleep.
To use orange tones to filter and mitigate the impact of blue light exposure on sleep
The LCD screens in VR headsets are powered by LED lights. Among the different rays of light it emits, blue light particularly suppresses the hormones our body excretes when preparing for sleep.
Several sources show how by using predominantly orange tones, the effects of blue light exposure on sleep can be counteracted. Nonetheless, this remains an area in the project where further research is needed.
Potential of VR
Research does not show obvious downfalls from using this technology
Benefits
Relaxing VR experience can induce relaxing physical state
Fewer nocturnal awakenings
Less mental rumination, worry & anxiety
Facilitate sleep initiation
Zambotti at al. 2020
Final Solution
A product system that tackles sleep deprivation in astronauts to enhance performance and productivity for space expeditions. Without the need to create new tech, existing technology is combined and repurposed.
AI generated images
Biometric wristband
The biometric wristband tracks sleep, heart rate, and hydration. It supports healthy rest-work cycles and offers guidance on caffeine intake. With an ergonomic strap, this device seamlessly record, collects and shares feedback on astronaut health, performance and engagement with visual and audio stimuli.
AI generated images
Sleep Helmet
This ergonomic sleep helmet features heat-dissipating fabric, noise-cancelling audio, and a flip-up VR display. With a cushioning neck support for comfort and wall-mounted hand controls for content selection, it supports restful sleep, and connects to emergency protocols when needed.
AI generated images
visual possibilities
AI generated images
audio possibilities
AI generated images
Potential Impact
Reducing the environmental strain on sleep
Circadian Rhythm Misalignment: Work-rest schedule reminders on wristband & meditative conditioning through VR
Isolation & Confinement: Personal support & ability to ‘escape’
Lack of Privacy: Private & intimate virtual space & experiences
Demanding Work Loads: Health reminders during working hours
Light & Noise Stimuli from Space Stations: Sound cancelling & vision covering
Risk Mitigation
High risk
Emergency Situation
Sleep helmet would be connected to emergency systems to alert the user. Video and sound engagement.
Network System Failure
Could disrupt sleep performance. Have the user plug in the wrist band during sleep to maintain its data up-to date.
Mid Risk
Biometric Incorrect Data
Testing on land and in space to evaluate accuracy. Correlate sleep results with diary entries from astronauts. Anomaly detection.
Blue-light affected Sleep
Providing visuals in warm tones, night mode and having a timed allowance for visual input before sleep.
Low Risk
VR Cyber-Sickness
Providing visuals that involve slow, little or no virtual movement.
Digital Adaptability
Providing courses to teach the astronauts how to use the system. Providing visual and audio content that they’d find useful to engage with.
Validating the Concept
Biometric Sleep Data
Quantitative
Collect and compare sleep data. Testing different visual and auditory inputs. Testing the impact of visual vs audio.
Data that Shows
Improved sleep length and type when sleeping using media inputs
Improved sleep length and type over a long time period
Some final words …
Personal Reflections
I really enjoyed working on this project and learning more about the ways in which a system can be built around VR to repurpose it into different contexts and provide experiences that aren't possible any other way. I would love to continue exploring the VR space and start prototyping these experiences visually.
Gaps in Knowledge
Ventilation of electronic hardware in space
The physics of sound in space
Sleep detection through wareables
