QUESTION:
Do astronauts tend to be more or less alert when in space?

ANSWER from John B. West on December 15, 1997:
This would be a good question for an astronaut.  My impression is that they
are more alert during the relatively short Shuttle missions because they
are very
keyed up for the big event.  They certainly work extremely hard and well,
although it is true that they generally do not sleep well in space.  Best
wishes.