Math Software to Help Plan Astronaut, Shift Worker Schedules

Shifting work schedules can wreak havoc on a person’s ability to get enough sleep, resulting in poor performance on the job. Researchers funded by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) have developed software that uses mathematical models to help astronauts and ground support personnel better adjust to shifting work and sleep schedules. Outside the space program, the software could help people who do shift or night work or who experience jet lag due to travel across time zones.