Woman sleeping on the plane.
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A popular pastime on long-haul flights – drinking before dozing off – may even pose health risks to young and fit passengers, a new study suggests.
The combined effects of alcohol consumption, sleep, and low oxygen concentrations at high altitudes established Challenging the cardiovascular system and prolonging the duration of hypoxemia, or low oxygen levels in the blood.
Researchers from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine and the University of Aachen also said the habit can reduce sleep quality and recommended that airlines limit alcohol consumption on flights.
Eva-Maria Elmenhorst, a co-author of the study, told NBC News that the team was “surprised to find such a strong effect” and recommended avoiding alcohol while flying.
Studies indicate that sleeping on board has exacerbated the drop in blood oxygen saturation caused by reduced air pressure in the cabin.
Laboratory tests showed that with the additional effects of alcohol consumption, participants’ blood oxygen saturation dropped further, their heart rate increased, and they experienced less deep sleep.
The study found that even “young and healthy participants” suffered “clinically relevant” desaturation and increased heart rate during sleep.
“Higher doses of alcohol may amplify these observed effects, potentially increasing the risk of health complications and medical emergencies during flights, particularly for older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions,” the report added.
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