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The lengthy time in an aquatic dwelling began in March 2023. Located to the floor of a 30-foot-deep bay in a tropical location, the living quarters was not the luxurious spot I’ve ever inhabited, but then again, I hadn’t come for leisure. As a biomedical researcher, I was participating in a scientific mission dubbed a hundred-day underwater endeavor.

Research Aims

The main objective focused on the impact of higher atmospheric pressure—approximately 70% higher than above water—on the mental and physical health. Additionally, the study looked into the results of extended isolation in a compact space. Data could offer important insights for planned space missions and comparable extreme environments.

Back in the Deep

After dedicating over two decades as a underwater specialist before retraining, this sort of atmosphere was not new to me. Thus when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance to participate as a human guinea pig. My significant other issued an ultimatum: “Go for 100 days, yet not a moment longer.”

Underwater Existence

To reach the quarters, I had to swim down to the bottom. Entry was via a water opening found underneath the structure. Provisions were delivered by assistants in secure containers. This central chamber also housed a small toilet and shower. On either side this space, a pair of cylindrical compartments served as the bedroom and a multipurpose room.

The only unfortunate occurrence was cracking a tooth on early in the mission, and I then had to tolerate for the remaining 88 days.

Every morning, I woke up at early dawn, performed exercises and fitness band movements, enjoyed coffee and breakfast, and then conducted a series of biomedical tests on myself. Among these were checking my cardiac and cerebral activity, as well as testing blood, urine, and saliva. In the evening, I would relax, followed by a long period of deep sleep.

Physical Changes

Although there was adequate headroom to stand inside the quarters, I often hit my head on a jutting bolt from the roof. After a few months, that stopped—I had shrunk by a noticeable amount. While space travelers experience microgravity and often become taller, underwater dwellers undergo back shortening.

Mental Well-being

Initially, I experienced some concerns about the impact of seclusion and lack of sunlight. In response, I used nutritional additives and had frequent sessions with a psychologist. I craved physical interactions with loved ones, although my aging parent went so far as to take a scuba lesson so she could meet me. Additionally, I had at least one outside contact on a regular basis—including ocean researchers, microbiologists, cosmic travelers, and doctors—and continued leading my scientific course via Zoom.

Unexpected Encounters

The lagoon is regularly utilized for underwater education, and I always stopped to acknowledge the children swimming by. Despite suffering from a stomach virus, I moved away from the bucket I’d been using to give a high-five a child swimming past.

One frequent visitor was a crustacean I called Fred. Once, my crustacean friend passed by doing a curious waving movement. Interested, I donned my scuba gear and pursued him, only to locate merely his empty shell and a small soft, translucent being moving away from it. I had seen a shell-shedding event underwater. How often can someone get to see that?

Initially, I also saw a large sea animal looping at a distance. Throughout the time, she gradually approached. After two and a half months into the project—just after I beat the global milestone for living underwater without depressurisation—I found her sleeping on the entrance at the opening of the water door. In order to move her aside to enter the water for my workout. Clearly, she noticed me every day and eventually recognized me as a fixture in her territory.

Physical Benefits

Throughout the mission, I experienced significant positive changes in my well-being. Analysis showed that collagen and stem cell activity in my body had risen, suggesting a possible slowdown in the signs of aging. I increased my deep sleep, waking up invigorated and alert every morning. Because of the increase in my caloric burn, I dropped a significant amount of weight and a substantial number on my cholesterol.

Back on Land

The only truly miserable aspect was dealing with a dental injury on early in the mission, which I then had to put up with for the rest of the 88 days underwater. Enjoying the rays on my face again and having my tooth restored were among the best aspects of rejoining the surface.

After reacclimating to regular surface conditions, I allocated a few moments each day inverting myself. After several months, I had returned to my previous size of over six feet anew.