The next time you board a long flight and decide to enjoy an alcoholic drink before taking a nap, you might want to avoid the temptation.
A recent study published in the medical journal Thorax found that consuming alcohol before sleeping in a low air pressure environment, like that on airplanes, can lead to decreased blood oxygen levels and increased heart rates, even in young and healthy individuals.
The study, which split participants into groups sleeping at sea level and in an altitude chamber, revealed that those who drank alcohol before sleeping in the altitude chamber experienced a significant decrease in blood oxygen saturation and an increase in heart rates compared to those who did not consume alcohol. This suggests that inflight alcohol consumption should be restricted to avoid potential health complications.
Experts recommend maintaining oxygen levels above 90%, highlighting the dangers of low oxygen saturation levels. Researchers advised against drinking alcohol on flights after witnessing the powerful effects on the heart and oxygen levels.
With these compelling findings, it’s clear that the choice to drink alcohol before sleeping on a plane can have serious consequences, urging passengers to prioritize their health and safety while traveling.