Zero Gravity for 24 Hours: What Happens to Your Body? Science Reveals Effects

• Staying in zero gravity for 24 hours causes blood to shift from the lower body to the chest and head, leading to symptoms like blocked nose, facial swelling, and headaches.
• Plasma volume decreases, increasing urine production; the heart works less, causing initial blood pressure fluctuations and then a drop.
• The brain experiences confusion and disorientation as signals from the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints are disrupted.
• No significant muscle or bone damage occurs within 24 hours, but these issues can arise after a week or more in zero gravity.
• Returning to gravity can cause dizziness or fainting (orthostatic intolerance) due to blood shifting back to the feet, though a healthy body adjusts quickly.