What are the potential risks of consuming alcohol on board a flight? That’s what health experts say

After packing your suitcase, going to the airport, dropping off your luggage, going through security, waiting to board the plane and then arriving at A journey of several hours, it is very likely that what you want most is to relax .

For that, You can resort to activities such as listening to music, watching a movie or reading a book. to name a few.

And if what you want is to fall asleep quickly, Items like earplugs and bringing your own pillow can also help. sleep .

However, for those who drink alcohol the urge to ask may appear one or two glasses.

That can help temporarily reduce stress and feel like you can sleep earlier.

However, There are certain risks associated with its consumption in flights .

This is what specialists in the field of health in a recent study that they published in BMJ and which was led by researcher from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne (Germany), Eva-Maria Elmenhorst.

Colin Church, a pulmonologist at the University of Glasgow (Scotland), explained to New York Times What As the plane climbs, the oxygen level in the cabin also decreases. .

This, in turn, causes a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood added the expert.

Such data are relevant, since research conducted by Elmenhorst assembled a group of 48 healthy adults aged 18 to 40 which has undergone various tests.

Half of the sample had to sleep in a sleep laboratory at normal atmospheric pressure, while the other had to sleep in an altitude chamber. .

The idea of ​​the latter was which simulated the atmospheric pressure that can be found in an airplane .

Both groups slept in these places from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for two nights: one sober and one after drinking four ounces of vodka .

This amount equivalent to what you might find in two beers or glasses of wine detail the authors in their academic article.

While they slept, the researchers They used devices to measure their blood oxygen levels, heart rate and sleep patterns. .

When they looked at the files, they noticed that Those who slept in the first space had an average blood oxygen level of 96% on the night they were sober and 95% on the night they consumed alcohol. .

On the other hand, those who were sleeping in the altitude chamber, they had 88% when sober and 85% when drinking .

To give you an idea, levels considered normal tend to be above 95% in healthy people Ashish Sarraju, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told the Times.

Elmenhorst and his team They also found differences in heart rate .

In the first group, the average went from 64 beats per minute the first night to 77 when he was drinking .

For the second, his heart rate went from 73 the first night to 88 when he drank alcohol .

Increased heart rate and decreased blood oxygen levels This means the heart has to work harder to compensate. This last factor, summarized the expert from the medical center.

That, In young, healthy people, this can cause a slight feeling of fatigue. .

Of course, IEffects may be different for people with health conditions. cardiac, respiratory, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or sleep apnea, among other diagnoses.

In such cases, symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath may occur .

The problem with alcohol in these patients is that if you drink during a flight, it can increase the risk of suffering a medical emergency. during the plane trip.

And generally speaking, while ingesting it may put you to sleep faster, you’re also expected to wake up more frequently, so It is not recommended for falling asleep .

Furthermore, For those who suffer from sleep apnea, its consumption may exacerbate symptoms assured Mayo Clinic specialist Bhanu Kolla to the aforementioned media.

Under this line, experts suggested that it is best to avoid drinking alcohol before or during a flight, especially if you have any of the following conditions: mentioned.

In the same way, Even if you don’t have one of these diagnoses, if you experience symptoms like a headache when you wake up, it’s best not to drink on your next trip. Kolla added.

It is good to remember that It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions. about your case.