Biotech
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 4:45 pm EDT
Key Points
- Drinking alcohol before napping on long-haul flights may pose health risks even to young and healthy passengers.
- The combination of alcohol consumption, sleep, and low oxygen levels at high altitudes challenges the cardiovascular system and extends the duration of hypoxaemia.
- Inflight alcohol consumption reduces sleep quality, exacerbates the fall in blood oxygen saturation caused by reduced atmospheric pressure, and leads to decreased blood oxygen levels, increased heart rate, and reduced deep sleep, even among young and healthy individuals.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine and Aachen University has shed light on the potential health risks associated with consuming alcohol during long-haul flights. Traditionally, many passengers indulge in alcohol before settling in for a nap, yet this habit may pose significant challenges to the cardiovascular system, particularly when combined with sleep and the low oxygen levels experienced at high altitudes. The study highlights that this combination extends the duration of hypoxaemia, leading to decreased blood oxygen levels. Even among young and healthy individuals, the consumption of alcohol during flights was found to reduce sleep quality and exacerbate the fall in blood oxygen saturation caused by reduced atmospheric pressure in aircraft cabins. Lab tests revealed that participants experienced decreased blood oxygen saturation, increased heart rate, and reduced deep sleep under the influence of alcohol. The researchers cautioned that higher alcohol doses could amplify these effects, potentially increasing the risk of health complications and medical emergencies during flights, particularly for older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Given these findings, the study recommends that airlines consider restricting inflight alcohol consumption to mitigate these health risks. Lead study author Eva-Maria Elmenhorst emphasized the surprising strength of these effects and advised against alcohol consumption while flying to ensure passenger well-being and safety.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/05/drinking-alcohol-before-napping-on-flights-presents-health-risk-study.html
