What is Cryogenic Sleep

A huge trend in recent sci-fi films and literature, cryogenic sleep, could be the next big med-tech innovation. From Interstellar to Avatar, cryogenic sleep is all the rage. Science-fiction has long been a go-to for predictions...

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Cryogenic sleep, also known as suspended animation and cryosleep, refers to a deep sleep at super low temperatures. By keeping the body at these temperatures, the metabolism is reduced to its lowest possible level. The idea is that the low temperatures will keep vital functions intact while the rest of the body goes into a hibernation-like state.

But it’s not only the aeronautics industry using cryogenics, both the food and health industry do so too. In the food industry, ultra-low temperatures are induced through cryogenic freezing to ensure food stays fresh. This is particularly useful for food aboard cargo ships crossing the Pacific Ocean – often taking up to three months when you take into account heavy demands on naval infrastructure.

The health industry is also a keen user of cryogenics. Since the dawn of time, ice has been used to treat wounds. Think the pack of frozen peas your mum gave you for a bumped head! This went further with medically induced hypothermia to help those who’ve suffered from cardiac arrests, strokes and serious head injuries.