NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore returning to earth on Wednesday are starring in a series of health problems. From bone density loss to mental health challenges, Williams and Wilmore are likely to have a painful day ahead after their return.
A joint mission by NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX, Crew Dragon-10 is bringing them back home after nine months.
According to experts, spending increased amounts of time in space could have severe effects on human health. Microgravity is a condition where gravity is extremely weak making objects in space weightless. In such a condition, the earth’s gravitational forces are not felt.
Microgravity effects include bone loss, fluid shifts and cardiovascular deconditioning.
Muscle atrophy: A condition that causes thinning of muscle mass. They might also have difficulty in walking as well.
Loss of bone density: Since muscles and bones become weak, it increases the risk of fracture and other bone-related problems.
Cardiac issues: Research has shown that exposure to different types of particles found in space radiation can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases including cardio atrophy, and arrhythmias.
Sleep disturbances: The absence of natural light-dark cycles in space could disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. The astronauts experience significantly shorter sleep durations in space compared to that on earth which could increase fatigue, stress, reduced cognitive performance and performance errors.
Mental health issues: Risks of behavioural issues and psychiatric disorders including anxiety.
Neuroplasticity: It refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life by reorganising its structure and functions in response to experiences and learning.
Also, exposure to space radiation can cause significant long-term health issues for astronauts, putting them at risk for cancer, degenerative diseases and issues with the central nervous system.
