Space Sleep
After Working So Hard - How do Astronauts Sleep?
After a long day at work, there is nothing like a good night's sleep! Just like on Earth, a worker in space goes to bed at night then wakes up the next day and prepares for work all over again. There are a few differences, though.
In space there is no up or down and there is no gravity. As a result, astronauts are weightless and can sleep in any orientation. However, they have to attach themselves to a wall, a seat or a bunk bed inside the crew cabin so they don't float around and bump into something.
Space Exercise And Leisure
Exercise And Leisure In Space
Everyone knows that a healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise. But for the astronauts on the International Space Station, physical activity is even more important than it is on Earth. In the effectively weightless environment of space, the body starts to lose muscle mass and bone strength. That's because the body doesn't have to work as hard to support its frame against gravity like it does on Earth.
The astronauts can take books, music and videos of their choosing aboard the station. When the ISS passes over certain ground stations, they can also pick up some television programs. Shuttles and unmanned vehicles delivering supplies also bring up new sources of entertainment. When the astronauts tire of these amusements, they can always use e-mail to talk with the friends and family far below on Earth.