The lulling effects of a rocking swing on a baby can be detrimental to astronauts in flight. The motion that produces drowsiness with babies has similar effects on astronauts. John Dornhoffer, M.D., associate professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, executive director of the Prosper M ni re Society, is investigating the phenomenon, known as Sopite syndrome.
Sopite syndrome is often a byproduct of dizziness experienced by astronauts during space travel.
Dornhoffer plans to identify the best medication for treating space motion sickness and preventing the occurrence of Sopite syndrome. I believe it is because the brain is concentrating so hard on a function it normally does not have to concentrate on. A rotary chair will be used to simulate the effects of space motion sickness. Before and after being spun in the chair, participants will be asked to perform certain cognitive tests. This procedure will allow the investigators to assess both the effects of motion sickness and one of the study drugs on the volunteer's ability to perform specific tasks.