Insomnia-Fighting LEDs to Replace Space Station Lights

Space station to get new insomnia-fighting light bulbs

NASA hopes to use science of light to reduce astronauts' dependency on drugs

NASA

Astronaut John Glenn (right) gets bloodwork done in his bunk aboard space shuttle Discovery in 1998. About half of astronauts require sleep medication at some point during their flights, NASA said.

By Elizabeth Howell

updated 12/16/2012 11:51:01 AM ET

 

NASA plans a new weapon in the fight against space insomnia: high-tech light-emitting diodes to replace the fluorescent bulbs in the U.S. section of the International Space Station. 

About half of everyone who flies to space relies on sleep medication, at some point, to get some rest. For $11.2 million, NASA hopes to use the science of light to reduce astronauts' dependency on drugs.
According to NASA flight surgeon Smith Johnston, studies in Anchorage, Alaska showed that hospital staff made more medical errors during the darkest times of the year. The finding demonstrates that people have a day-night cycle that must be respected, even when they're doing the demanding work of space exploration.

"When you have normal light coming through the windows of stores, and schools, and hospitals, people do better. They function better," said Johnston, the lead physician for NASA's wellness program.

More - Link >>> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/50216042/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.UM5S-lF5Fic

Sources: Space.com , NBC News.

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