A Fox 26 news report examines the unique challenges astronauts face when trying to sleep in space, including a sunrise and sunset every 90 minutes that disrupts the circadian rhythm.

Modern life messing with your sleep schedule? Try getting a full 8 hours in space — or on your way to Mars. Being well-rested is essential for performing difficult tasks on Earth, but it’s absolutely life-or-death for astronauts.

The Washington Post recently talked to the head of NASA’s sleep research center and we’re not sure we’d ever get any shut eye. And it’s not just because we’re so excited about space exploration.

In space you’re weightless, so there’s the threat of your own relaxed arm floating up and hitting you in the face. Some choose to float around the chamber as they, literally, “drift off,” but most strap into special sleeping bags. On the International Space Station, crew members have individual rooms, likened to “tiny coffins.”

View the full story at www.fox26houston.com