Effects of Isolation

Numerous studies related to isolation are specific to the circadian physiology in “arrhythmic” environments. These studies are intended to see how a non-changing or arrhythmic environment affects the subject on the molecular, metabolic and physiology levels. One of the least understood aspects of life in the dark biosphere is the rhythmicity of physiology and what it means to live in an environment of low or no rhythmicity.

These studies are important to space travel in that a confined space with an arrhythmic environment (such as a star ship or habitat on a hostile planet) can adversely affect a person’s health.[1]

A secondary form of isolation is sensory deprivation. We have already mentioned that the crew must experience long term deprivation of what they take for granted in day to day life. Part of that deprivation is sensory in the form of atmosphere and socialization. The sensory input we feel walking outside or the joy we feel when surrounded by family and friends is expressed in our physical and emotional well being.

I am linking an article here that was published in February 2019 that speaks to the profound effects isolation has on the human body and brain. [2]

In November 2018, a professional US poker player Rich Alati bet US$100,000 that he could survive 30 days alone and in total darkness. He was kept in a small, completely dark room with nothing but a bed, fridge and bathroom and even with all the resources he needed to survive, Alati couldn't last the month. He quit the experiment after just 20 days.

There are countless negative effects that social isolation and extreme isolation can have on our minds and bodies. Alati was no exception, reporting that he experienced a range of side effects, including changes to his sleep cycle, and hallucinations.

But why is isolation so difficult for humans to withstand?

The article states that “One of the reasons that living in isolation is difficult is because humans are social creatures. Many people that have lived in isolated environments – such as researchers stationed in Antarctica – report that loneliness can be the most difficult part of the job.”

Loneliness can be damaging to both our mental and physical health. Socially isolated people are less able to deal with stressful situations and even though a person may be part of a larger crew, isolation form that crew can manifest itself. This can lead to depression and problems processing information. This in turn can lead to difficulties with decision-making and memory storage and recall.

The article further states that “People who are lonely are also more susceptible to illness. Researchers found that a lonely person's immune system responds differently to fighting viruses, making them more likely to develop an illness” and “The impacts of social isolation become worse when people are placed in physically isolating environments.”

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5090016/

[2] https://www.sciencealert.com/isolation-has-profound-effects-on-the-human-body-and-brain-here-s-what-happens