Alcohol on Planes Could Be Riskier Than You Think

Next time you’re on a long-haul flight, consider refraining from drinking alcohol and napping—it’s a combination that a recent study suggests could strain your heart.

Researchers from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center divided 40 volunteers into two sleep lab chambers: one simulating ground-level pressure and another simulating the pressure experienced on an airplane flying at approximately 2,438 meters (about 8,000 feet).

At these higher altitudes, where oxygen levels decrease (a condition known as hypobaric hypoxia), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) begins to decline. This new study reveals that combining alcohol consumption with sleep under these conditions could pose significant risks.

“This study is the first to explore the combined effects of hypobaric hypoxia and alcohol consumption during sleep,” the researchers noted in their published paper.

“We show that consuming alcohol onboard poses a health hazard that is often underestimated and can be easily avoided.”

The study involved four groups: individuals sleeping at normal pressure with or without alcohol consumption, and those sleeping at simulated cabin pressure with or without alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Consumption and Sleep Limitations in the Study

Participants received an alcohol dose equivalent to two cans of beer or two glasses of wine.

Their sleep was restricted to four hours per night during the experiments, aiming to simulate disrupted sleep patterns commonly encountered during flights.

Under normal pressure conditions, individuals who consumed alcohol had an average blood oxygen level of 94.97 percent and a heart rate of 76.97 beats per minute (bpm). Those who did not consume alcohol under normal pressure had a blood oxygen level of 95.88 percent and a heart rate of 63.74 bpm.

At reduced pressure simulating airplane cabin conditions, the corresponding figures were 85.32 percent SpO2 and 87.73 bpm for drinkers, and 88.07 percent SpO2 and 72.90 bpm for non-drinkers.

These results imply that at simulated airplane cabin pressures, blood oxygen levels decreased and heart rates increased more significantly among those who consumed alcohol compared to the control group.

Impact of Altitude and Alcohol on Sleep Quality

This difference is notable considering both the altitude and alcohol consumption—where the clinically healthy norm for SpO2 is typically 90 percent. These factors also reduced the duration of deep and REM sleep, both crucial for sleep quality.

Lower SpO2 levels and higher heart rates impose additional strain on the cardiovascular system, raising concerns that common long-haul flight practices may unnecessarily heighten the risk of heart issues, particularly among individuals with pre-existing conditions.

The study involved a small sample of young and healthy participants, and the effects on older or more vulnerable individuals could potentially be more pronounced, a topic for future research.

While it may be tempting to enjoy a drink and rest during travel, whether for vacation or after a stressful business trip, researchers caution travelers to exercise caution in light of these findings.

The researchers suggest that raising public awareness through patient organizations, public campaigns, and health advisories provided by airlines would be beneficial. They also note that technical and economic limitations make it improbable for airlines to increase cabin pressure.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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