Sommeil et vols spatiaux

Since more than 40 years, manned Space flights have shown that sleep in space is possible. However, in-flight studies have reported reduced sleep duration and sleep disturbances which may lead to performance impairment. The causes of these changes are not well known. These disturbances have been particularly reported in case of abnormal work-rest schedule due to operational constraints. But space environment factors as microgravity and changes in light/dark cycle may also induce changes in sleep and circadian rhythms. This review discusses how different factors may influence sleep and biological rhythms in space flight and simulation experiments.