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Drinking on a plane may seem like the height of luxury, as movies and TV shows romanticise this ‘luxurious debauchery’. Some would even argue that it’s downright unrealistic, getting drunk on clouds, drinking wine at 40,000 feet and snoozing like a baby. We are so immersed in our race to conquer and supplant everything with technology that we forget that science hasn’t made our bodies giant; we are still the same, at the mercy of our internal bodily functions. A new study has found that drinking alcohol while flying has life-changing side effects on the body.
Alcohol reduces oxygen in the blood in the air
The medical journal Thorax has published a new study that highlights how dangerous drinking alcohol during a flight is. They found that when people fall asleep after drinking alcohol, their heart rate increases and blood pressure drops, even in young passengers with no serious medical history. This is particularly deadly for passengers with cardiac problems. The combined exposure to alcohol and hypobaric conditions (high altitude) causes the blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) to drop. This condition produces hypobaric hypoxia, which is a condition of low oxygen supply to the brain at high altitude, and can be life-threatening.
Tips for staying healthy while traveling by air
Although the in-built cabin pressure in flight is safe for humans, it is natural for us to feel uncomfortable as the cabin pressure is similar to being at an altitude of 8000 feet – like on a mountain top. It is important to take necessary precautions and plan in advance to avoid the possibility of any adverse effects.
Hydrate
Airplane cabins have low humidity, which makes our mouths dry. It’s important to drink water frequently during air travel, even if you have to go to the bathroom frequently. Caffeine and sugary drinks make dehydration even worse.
walk around
This is not ideal for your co-passengers and cabin crew on the plane, but it is essential for your body. Staying still during long flights increases the chances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as “economy-class syndrome”, a blood clot in the veins of the legs. Frequent bathroom visits (as stated earlier) A good long stretch, or even flexing the calves and bending the hip joints to increase blood flow is good. Stretch your upper body limbs and neck too.
Moisturize your skin
The low humidity in the cabin can make your skin feel very dry, especially on long flights. It is recommended to moisturize and hydrate your skin and lips with facial tissues, sprays and lip balms.
carry a neck pillow
Sleeping on a plane can be uncomfortable, as awkward angles and positions put pressure on the neck. Neck pain is inevitable from such dangerous angles. To avoid this discomfort, carry a travel neck pillow to sleep comfortably and safely.
chew gum
Chewing gum helps to deal with noise in the ears on airplanes. The change in pressure in the cabin during take-off and landing of a plane causes sharp, uncomfortable pain in the ears. Chewing or sucking gum or candy causes saliva to accumulate in the mouth. Swallowing this saliva opens up the blocked ear.
wear lots of clothes to stay warm
Dressing up is a personal choice, but be aware that cabin temperatures can be very cold.
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