One of the problems of long space flights is the gradual deterioration of the psychological state of the crew. Being in an enclosed space without normal sunlight affects the human psyche. Experiments show that the monotony of light, in particular, increases anxiety, irritability, and depression. Scientists realized that the monotony of color exacerbated the psychological discomfort of polar explorers who spent the winter at bases in the Arctic.

Details of the study

Scientists from the Beijing Institute of Technology decided to check whether multi-colored lighting would help in this situation. A scientific paper containing the results of the study was published in Space: Science & Technology.

• Twenty healthy adults (10 females and 10 males) aged 21-27 years were selected for the study.
• Each was placed in solitary confinement at a hospital in Xiangtan (China).
• The subjects had a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a bed. The walls and ceiling were painted white, the floor dark gray.
• Half of the rooms in the attic hanged a light bulb that changes the color of the radiation — this happened randomly every three hours.
• During the isolation, participants were not allowed to use cell phones, computers, televisions or iPads. But they can read paper books, do yoga and other activities.

The results of the control group showed that the negative emotions and anxiety of the subjects increased over time. At the same time, in the group exposed to multi-colored lighting, no significant increase in negative emotions and anxiety was observed.

Scientists hope space exploration can use colored lighting or other sensory interventions to reduce negative emotions and feelings of anxiety.