• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Doctor reveals NASA-inspired sleep hack that's an 'essential tool for recovery'

Home> News

Updated 11:08 20 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 16:45 19 Jan 2025 GMT

Doctor reveals NASA-inspired sleep hack that's an 'essential tool for recovery'

The sleeping technique was designed to help astronauts sleep when they're under immense pressure

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

A sleep technique used by astronauts in space is said to be just as useful down on Earth.

Sleep is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with most experts saying that adults should be aiming for seven to nine hours of shut-eye each night.

But this isn't the easiest of feats for those who suffer with insomnia, are feeling unwell, or for those who are generally just bad sleepers.

One thing that might get stop you from getting a good night's rest is if you're a serial toilet-goer in the night.

As to what a 'normal' amount of times is to go and pee, experts suggest that it can be anywhere between one to four times, and that age plays a factor in how often we need to relieve ourselves.

Advert

Away from your toilet habits, there's a sleep technique thought up by those at NASA to help astronauts sleep — and it doesn't just apply to people who are up in space.

The hack is known as 'zero gravity', and it was created to help with the immense pressures astronauts face on their body.

The technique is said to be used by astronauts to help them sleep in space (UM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The technique is said to be used by astronauts to help them sleep in space (UM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

"Zero-gravity is a neutral position that’s achieved by lying flat on your back and raising both your head and feet slightly above your heart level, so the spine is neutrally aligned — therefore relieving pressure on your body," sleep experts at Opera Beds previously told Men's Health.

Advert

The sleeping technique can prove particularly useful for those trying to get some rest when feeling unwell.

Dr Tim Mercer, the NHS GP Partner & GP Trainer with Opera Beds, explained to The Express: "Sleep is essential for recovery when battling the flu. Quality rest allows your body to allocate energy towards immune function, accelerating the fight against the virus.

"During sleep, your body produces cytokines — proteins that combat inflammation and infection — making it an essential tool for recovery."

Having your head raised while sleeping can open up your airways (Getty Stock Images)
Having your head raised while sleeping can open up your airways (Getty Stock Images)

Advert

He went on: "Sleeping with flu symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, and fever can feel impossible, but there are simple methods you can follow to promote a better night's sleep."

The main way the 'zero gravity' technique can help those with the flu sleep is because having your head raised allows the airways to open up and take in more oxygen while you sleep.

Having your head slightly raised also decreases your chances of snoring, while having your knees and head above heart level improves circulation and can reduce swelling.

Sweet dreams!

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Tim Kitchen/Getty Images/Mavocado

Topics: Health, NASA, News, Sleep, Space

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Stranded NASA astronaut reveals shocking impact Earth’s gravity had on his body as he completes recovery
  • NASA scientists reveal 'devastating' impacts that can happen if astronauts don't get enough sleep in space
  • NASA scientist explains common sleep condition which makes you feel ‘jet lagged’ - and how to fix it
  • Doctor warns of sleep position that’s one of the ‘worst’ for your health

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
  • LADbible Stories/YouTube
    9 hours ago

    Niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige explains horrifying alleged punishment if you ‘mess up’ in church

    Jenna Miscavige left the Church of Scientology in 2005

    News
  • Getty Stock Image
    9 hours ago

    People left terrified after car owner finds seemingly harmless item underneath vehicle that could have a sinister purpose

    The Redditor claimed they'd found the malicious device in a hole situated in their tire dust cover

    News
  • Getty Stock Image
    9 hours ago

    Doctor reveals what really happens to your body on ‘No Nut November’ and warns about worrying side effects

    No Nut November involves abstaining from sex and masturbation for 30 days

    News
  • Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
    9 hours ago

    Heartbreaking reason Adam Sandler sends Jennifer Aniston flowers on a specific day every year

    The Friends icon has been candid about her health journey in the past

    Celebrity