NSSDCA ID: 1973-027A-29
Mission Name: SkylabThe purpose of this Skylab experiment was to evaluate objectively the quantity and quality of inflight sleep through an analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) and electro-oculographic (EOG) activity. It has been demonstrated that disrupted patterns of sleep are associated with modifications in performance capabilities. Therefore, objective investigative data regarding sleep in the space environment is of particular significance in terms of learning more of man's capabilities and limitations in the performance of space missions. The data collected in support of M133 were -- preflight baseline EEG and EOG data on a crewman for three consecutive nights of sleep, periodical inflight EEG and EOG throughout a crewman's sleep period, and postflight sleep EEGs and EOGs on approximately one, three and five days after recovery. The M133 equipment consisted of a wholly self-contained device which recorded the EEG and EOG on magnetic tape and also provided TM data in near real time. Electrodes were incorporated into a fitted cap that the crewmen wore during sleep with accelerometers to detect head movement to keep this movement from influencing the sleep-stage determination systems. The EEG and EOG tapes were returned at the conclusion of the mission for postflight analysis.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
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Dr. James D. Frost, Jr. | Principal Investigator | Baylor University | jamesf@bcm.tmc.edu |