Psychological Effects of Zero Gravity

Living and working in space is tough on the human body. But when you add in the constant stress, fast-paced work load and cramped quarters, it becomes profoundly stressful on the mind, too. Astronauts have been shown time and again to be resilient to the severe stresses of living and working in space, but tempers occasionally fray.

Causes

One of the biggest causes of stress for astronauts is being isolated from friends and family.

Issues

Privacy and personal space, necessary for a sense of identity, are often sacrificed on a space mission, where resources are limited.

Factors

Working closely with other astronauts in a tightly confined environment for days or weeks on end often leads to stress and conflict.

Effects

Physical stresses brought on by living in a zero-gravity environment can disrupt sleep, create anxiety and bring on depression.

Symptoms

Other symptoms often include fatigue, irritability and a loss of motivation.

Solution

Exercise can help reverse these effects, and has been used on space missions to reduce stress and increase well-being.

Fun Fact

From 1994 to 1995, Russian cosmonaut Veleri Polyakov stayed in space for 437.7 days. During that time, he orbited the Earth over seven thousand times.