When you’re on a plane, you might choose to enjoy an alcoholic drink, perhaps to calm your nerves or simply to make the flight more enjoyable. However, recent research indicates that this practice might have unintended health consequences, particularly when combined with sleep. A pioneering study published in the journal Thorax on June 3 found that consuming alcohol and then sleeping in a pressurized cabin can lead to poor sleep quality, cardiovascular stress, and reduced blood oxygen levels.
The information for this article, and the quotes of experts mentioned here, are based on a news piece that first appeared on Health.
The Impact of Drinking and Sleeping on a Plane
The study involved 48 healthy adults aged between 18 and 40. They were divided into two groups: one group consumed vodka (equivalent to two glasses of wine or two cans of beer), while the other abstained. They slept for four hours under two different conditions: at sea-level pressure and in an altitude chamber simulating flight conditions. The study revealed that those who drank alcohol and slept in the simulated flight conditions had significantly lower blood oxygen levels and higher heart rates compared to those who didn’t drink or slept at sea level.
Lead study author Dr. Eva-Maria Elmenhorst, from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center, highlighted the concerning drop in blood oxygen levels for drinkers in the low-pressure environment. These levels dipped to values considered risky, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, whose bodies are already working harder to circulate oxygen.
Investigating How Flying and Alcohol Affect the Body
The detailed findings showed that non-drinkers in the simulated flight conditions had blood oxygen levels around 88%, while drinkers averaged 85%. These levels are below the normal range of 95% and higher, which is concerning since maintaining adequate oxygen levels is crucial for bodily functions.
Also, contrary to the usual drop in heart rate during sleep, drinkers in the low-pressure setting experienced an increase in heart rate, averaging 88 bpm compared to 73 bpm for non-drinkers in the same conditions. This elevated heart rate adds unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially exacerbating risks for individuals with underlying health issues.
Effects on Sleep Quality
Drinking alcohol before sleep on a plane also affected sleep quality. Participants who drank and slept in low-pressure conditions spent less time in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, a critical phase for restorative sleep and cognitive function. Poor sleep quality can lead to a range of health issues, from increased stress to impaired cognitive performance.
Cardiovascular Risks
The combination of drinking alcohol and sleeping in a pressurized cabin poses additional risks for individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. The stress on the cardiovascular system from higher heart rates and lower blood oxygen levels can be particularly dangerous for these individuals. According to Dr. Deepak Bhatt, director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, this combination is an avoidable risk that should be taken seriously.
Additional Health Risks of Flying
Flying alone can be taxing on the body, even without alcohol. Long periods of immobility can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the legs. Adding alcohol to this mix, which can further dehydrate the body and reduce blood flow, only heightens these risks.
Related: The Impact of Alcohol on Athletic Performance and Recovery
Should You Avoid Alcohol in the Air?
Given these findings, it’s advisable to reconsider consuming alcohol during flights, especially if you plan to sleep. While the study had limitations, such as a small, healthy participant group and simulated sleep conditions, the results suggest potential health risks that warrant caution. Experts recommend alternative methods for managing flight-related anxiety, such as exposure therapy or medication, rather than relying on alcohol.
Expert Opinions
Gail Saltz, MD, a psychiatry professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, cautions against using alcohol to manage phobias, highlighting the additional health risks identified in the study. Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg advises that alcohol consumption can worsen conditions like sleep apnea, leading to poorer sleep quality and increased health risks.
Ultimately, making informed decisions about drinking alcohol during flights is crucial. While it might seem like a harmless way to relax, understanding the potential impacts on your health can help you make better choices for a safer and more comfortable flight.
In conclusion, while having an alcoholic drink on a flight might seem like a simple pleasure, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks. New research highlights that the combination of drinking alcohol and sleeping in a pressurized cabin can lead to lower blood oxygen levels, increased heart rates, and poorer sleep quality. These effects can be particularly dangerous for individuals with existing heart or lung conditions. Therefore, it may be wise to avoid alcohol during flights, especially if you plan to sleep, and consider alternative methods to manage anxiety and ensure a more pleasant travel experience.
Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Burn All the Calories From Eating A Big Mac? (Science Explained)
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- Pink Panther alcohol: Pixabay
