Drinking, air travel and sleeping can all have negative impacts on the body, but when combined, the effects can be even more severe. Researchers from the German Aviation Medical Center studied the effects of these three factors on healthy subjects in experiments conducted on the ground.
In the study, participants were divided into two groups: one group slept under normal air pressure while the other group slept in a low-pressure environment similar to that of an airplane cabin. Before the second night of sleep, half of the participants consumed alcohol equivalent to two glasses of wine or a bottle of beer. The results showed that low air pressure and alcohol consumption led to a decrease in blood oxygen concentration and an increase in heart rate during sleep.
The researchers emphasized the importance of avoiding alcohol consumption during air travel as it can exacerbate the negative effects of low air pressure on the body. Alcohol consumption under negative pressure conditions not only lowered blood oxygen levels but also increased heart rate, putting a strain on cardiovascular system. Additionally, alcohol consumption impaired participants’ sleep quality leading to less time spent in deep sleep compared to those who did not consume alcohol.
The study highlighted how combining alcohol consumption with air travel can have harmful effects on health and well-being. To mitigate these negative effects, researchers recommended that individuals avoid drinking during flights, get enough rest and stay hydrated while traveling. It is especially important for people with preexisting heart and lung conditions to take precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during air travel.
Overall, traveling by plane can be stressful for our bodies, especially when combined with drinking and sleeping. By being mindful of these factors and taking steps to stay healthy during flights, we can reduce our risk of experiencing negative side effects from air travel.
