Upon return to earth the additional connections made in space removed themselves. Further gravity sensors and vestibular changes will be tested and studied by the Mammalian Development Team, as well as the study of the development of the autonomic nervous system. The Aquatic Team will study the afferent and efferent responses of the oyster toadfish. The team headed by Dr. Highstein and Dr. Wiederhold will also study the development and formation of the gravity-sensing apparatus in fresh water snails. Sleep studies conducted aboard Neurolab may point the way to a better understanding of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Sleep is often difficult on a space shuttle flight, causing crew members to use sleep enhancers.
The Sleep Team, headed by Dr. Charles Czeisler, will monitor sleep patterns before, during and after space flight, and test melatonin for its usefulness in flight . Also under further scrutiny is the evaluation of the effects of weightlessness on the cardiovascular system. Issues of orthostatic intolerance, the difficulty of maintaining blood flow to the brain, the control of blood pressure, and the goal of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the autonomic nervous system, are all pressing concerns on Earth. The flight of Neurolab is a key to a better understanding of disorders affecting millions Americans. America's space program has helped revolutionize the practice of medicine.