Does Astronauts Have The Habit Of Snoring In Space?

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Although this may seem an unimportant issue, a question of minor significance it grew into a big debate in the scientific community. Could astronauts snore? This was discussed from the early days of manned space flights and the debate has persistent into the days of shuttle flights and the use of the space station.

Effect Of Gravity

Some believed that it was impossible to snore without normal gravity. The airflow would be wrong; there would be no probable way for the normal restriction of the throat to occur. How would there be vibration with no gravity?

Research on two space flights found some interesting sleep statistics. The study conducted found that five astronauts when they were in space, actually stopped snoring totally. As well, some who had suffered episodes of stopping breathing, called sleep apnea, had none when they were in space. This was a breakthrough.

They had proved that gravity was certainly essential to constrict the airflow, aggravate the throat and cause the vibrations along the soft palate and uvula. No gravity made it easier to breathe.

Oddly they also learned that astronauts sleep fewer hours and use sleeps medications to assist them in sleeping. How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Columbia Study

Later a study was done in 1998 aboard the shuttle Columbia to see how astronauts sleep in the artificial environment of a space shuttle. The result surprised many sleep specialists and scientists when microphones picked up snores from the crew.

They were surprised because the feeling was that astronauts likely breathed less. The belief had been that they in fact inhaled and exhaled less when floating in space. Scientists had wondered if breathing was harder up there.

The astronauts wore separate microphones and gear to measure all types of sleeping statistics. To compare how the men slept on earth comparisons were conducted. Did they snore on Earth before they left?

This brought up many other questions since astronauts before going into space are in excellent physical condition. Unlike those who are thought to be the typical snorer, an overweight man with a large neck who may drink, smoke or snack on dairy products late at night. Surely the average astronaut does not fit this picture.

Did the other sleep difficulties play any part in their snoring or not snoring? Many astronauts suffer from endless motion sickness as well as the fact that every ninety minutes the sun first sets and then ninety minutes later it rises again. This is a constant series of events that can be difficult to get used to.

There is still a lot of disagreement in the scientific community as whether they actually do snore or not is one of the most interesting things about astronauts and snoring is the fact.

Studies have shown differing results and so there are those who will tell you that without gravity it would not be possible for them to snore. At the same time the Columbia study will be quoted back as proof they do snore.

It seems that the only way to prove it finally will be to conduct further research. There's no doubt that the topic of snoring can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about snoring, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.