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Sleep-scheduling software for astronauts
By siliconindia
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Friday, 16 April 2010, 22:32 IST
Washington: Programmers at U.S. National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) has come up with a new software that uses 'complex mathematical formula' to help astronauts to adjust work shift and sleep schedules.
NSBRI believes that the new software called as Circadian Performance Simulation Software (CPSS) and the accompanying 'Shifter' package, will help the astronaut and ground controller in charge to key in a schedule of duties and activities. The CPSS determines the best times for the harassed orbital operative to have a nap and refreshments.
"The best methods that we know to help people operate at peak performance are first to ensure that they get adequate sleep, and second that their work schedules are designed to be aligned with the natural body clock," said project leader Dr Elizabeth Klerman, Associate Team Leader for NSBRI's Human Factors and Performance Team.
According to Klerman, a Physician in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, the software has two components. The Circadian Performance Simulation Software (CPSS) uses complex mathematical formulas to predict how an individual will react to specific conditions. CPSS also allows users to interactively design a schedule, such as shifting sleep/wake to a different time, and predicts when they would be expected to perform well or poorly.
The second component, 'Shifter' prescribes the optimal times in the schedule to use light to shift a person's circadian rhythm in order to improve performance at critical times during the schedule.
