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Studies suggest there are health risks to all passengers, especially those with underlying heart or lung conditions.
Published on June 18, 2024 • Last updated 19 minutes ago • 2 minute read
Researchers found that the combination of alcohol and the low oxygen levels on an airplane can have serious health effects, including increased heart rate and reduced quality of REM sleep. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Air Canada recently announced that it would be serving complimentary beer and wine on domestic flights, but new research suggests airlines may need to rethink drinking alcohol on board.
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In a study published in the medical journal Thorax earlier this month, German researchers looked at the impact of moderate alcohol consumption on passengers' sleep, oxygen saturation and heart rate during long-haul flights.
Their findings suggest that the combination of alcohol and the low oxygen levels on an airplane could have serious health effects, including increased heart rate and reduced quality of REM sleep.
The study involved 48 adults sleeping in a simulated aircraft environment that replicated the air pressure and overall conditions of an airplane. Participants slept in this environment twice: once with or without consuming the alcohol equivalent of two glasses of wine.
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During each session, participants slept for four hours.
Not only does alcohol affect your heart rate and sleep quality, it also reduces blood oxygen saturation and can impair the functioning of organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys.
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The study found that even healthy people experienced significant cardiac strain and prolonged hypoxia, which meant their bodies were not getting enough oxygen. The findings suggest there may be health risks for all passengers, especially those with underlying heart or lung conditions.
The researchers recommend that people with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome avoid alcohol 12 hours before and during their flight.
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“Furthermore, public awareness of the issue should be increased through patient charities, public campaigns and written health advice from airlines,” the researchers wrote.
“Drinking alcohol on a plane is generally not a good idea as it can lower oxygen saturation and increase your heart rate, which can lead to poor sleep and heart attack,” Lindsay Malone, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Travel & Leisure.
“Plus, keep in mind that traveling often has negative effects on your health, including more sitting, eating out, less exercise, lack of sleep due to jet lag, and dehydration.”
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