Want $18,000? Try NASA’s 70 Days in Bed Challenge

If you have a thing for staying in bed for a very long period of time, then you might be the lucky person NASA wants.

For spending 70 straight days in bed, NASA is willing to give $18,000. Yes you heard it right, you get to earn $1,200 per week to take part in their “Bed Studies”.

So what exactly is NASA’s purpose behind this research?

NASA intends to find ways of maintaining an astronaut’s health and safety during extended space travel. With the “head down” bed rest, scientists are attempting to simulate zero gravity space the best way possible.

The study is divided into two periods. For the first 13 days (non-exercising subjects) and 21 days (exercising subjects), volunteers are allowed to move in and out of the bed within the bed rest facility. Beyond this period, volunteers will be required to stay in the bed except for a few tests.

Volunteers will also be subjected to several tests throughout the duration of the study which will include heart, muscle, and bone tests. Their body’s nutritional condition and ability to combat infections will also be determined.

In case you’re thinking that there are no activities for you to do during the 70-day stay in bed, volunteers for this study are given the chance to read books, use smartphones, tablets, and computers, do Skype and even play games for as long as you remain in bed.