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How do astronauts sleep on ISS while experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day? ESA explains

As per the ESA, the astronauts can struggle to find a "natural daily rhythm in space" due to experiencing multiple sunrises and sunsets.

Published on: Mar 17, 2024, 17:54:11 IST
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Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every single day. Have you ever wondered how they maintain their sleep cycle while in space? The European Space Agency (ESA) has an answer. Taking to Instagram, the ESA shared a descriptive post explaining the sleep cycle of the astronauts aboard the ISS. They also talk about an experiment conducted by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen that focuses on sleeping in space.

This split image shows a glimpse of ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen aboard the ISS. (Instagram/@europeanspaceagency)
This split image shows a glimpse of ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen aboard the ISS. (Instagram/@europeanspaceagency)

"Did you have a good night's sleep? Astronauts on the ISS do a full circle of Earth every 90 minutes and experience 16 sunsets and sunrises every day. With this unearthly routine, astronauts can struggle to find a natural daily rhythm in space. The Space Station follows Greenwich Mean Time, which helps keep a consistent schedule, along with regular wake-up and bedtime routines," the space agency wrote.

Also Read: 5 incredible videos that show life of astronauts on ISS

"During his Huginn mission, Andreas Mogensen ran two experiments focusing on sleeping in space: Circadian Light and Sleep in Orbit," they added. In the following lines, they explained the project in detail. The space agency wrapped up the post with pictures capturing Mogensen conducting the experiment.

Take a look at this post by ESA:

The post was shared a day ago. Since then, the post has collected more than 4,100 likes. It has also accumulated several comments.

What did Instagram users say about this ISS-related post?

"I admire astronauts' intellectual abilities, physical and mental strength, soft skills and dedication. They are an inspiration. Ps: By the way, I would like to work at ESA," wrote an Instagram user.

Also Read: Himalayas in Asia to Bahamas in North America, stunning pics of Earth from ISS

While another posted, "Wow! It's amazing how these novel approaches and devices are evolving so quickly", a third reacted using heart emoticons.

What are your thoughts on this interesting post shared by the ESA?

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of digital newsroom experience. Specialising in high-engagement storytelling, she blends viral trends with traditional journalism to cover the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. Her reporting spans real estate and personal finance struggles in hubs like Bengaluru and Gurgaon, the NRI experience, and corporate shifts like tech layoffs. Trisha also frequently tracks global figures and writes human interest stories. Offline, Trisha is an avid reader, history enthusiast and solo traveler. She balances her journalism career with family life while actively integrating AI tools into her modern storytelling approach.Read More