A review of astronaut mental health in manned missions: Potential interventions for cognitive and mental health challenges

Funmilola A Oluwafemi; Rayan Abdelbaki; James C-Y Lai; Jose G Mora-Almanza; Esther M Afolayan

doi:10.1016/j.lssr.2020.12.002

A review of astronaut mental health in manned missions: Potential interventions for cognitive and mental health challenges

Life Sci Space Res (Amst). 2021 Feb:28:26-31. doi: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.12.002. Epub 2020 Dec 30.

Authors

Funmilola A Oluwafemi¹, Rayan Abdelbaki², James C-Y Lai³, Jose G Mora-Almanza⁴, Esther M Afolayan⁵

Affiliations

¹ Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) c/o European Space Policy Institute, Schwarzenbergplatz 6, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Astrobiology Unit, Space Life Sciences Division, Engineering and Space-Systems Department, National Space Research and Development Agency, P.M.B. 437, Abuja, Nigeria. Electronic address: oluwafemifunmilola@gmail.com.
² Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) c/o European Space Policy Institute, Schwarzenbergplatz 6, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
³ Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) c/o European Space Policy Institute, Schwarzenbergplatz 6, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V7, Canada.
⁴ Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) c/o European Space Policy Institute, Schwarzenbergplatz 6, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medicine, University of Guadalajara, 950 Sierra Mojada Street, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico 44340.
⁵ Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) c/o European Space Policy Institute, Schwarzenbergplatz 6, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

PMID: 33612177
DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2020.12.002

Abstract

Space is an isolated, confined environment for humans. These conditions can have numerous effects on astronaut mental health and safety. Psychological and social issues affect space crew due to the isolation, confinement, and prolonged separation from family and friends. This area of research is particularly crucial given the space sector's plans for Martian colonies and space tourism, as well as to aid astronauts when under high stress. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of isolation/confinement on psychological and cognitive health; impact of radiation and microgravity on cognitive health; and implications of disturbances to the circadian rhythm and sleep in space. Possible solutions to relevant mentioned cognitive and mental health challenges are also discussed.

Keywords: Astronaut; Cognitive/mental challenges; Manned mission; Mental health; Psychology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aerospace Medicine
Astronauts / psychology*
Circadian Rhythm
Cognition / physiology*
Cognition / radiation effects
Extraterrestrial Environment
Humans
Mental Health*
Sleep
Social Isolation / psychology
Space Flight / psychology
Weightlessness / adverse effects