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Risks of drinking alcohol while traveling: Although alcohol is considered completely harmless to human health, the question arises as to how harmful it is to drink alcohol during air travel. Alcohol addicts often prefer to book flights in which drinks are served. This facility is especially given to business class passengers. For some people, this is a way to celebrate the journey, while some believe that it reduces nervousness.
Claims of drinking alcohol on plane
There have been debates before about serving alcohol on flights, but now a new paper published by researchers at the German Aerospace Center and RWTH Aachen University shows that drinking alcohol in the sky could pose a serious health risk, especially for elderly passengers and those with medical problems.
lack of oxygen
During air travel, artificial pressure is created in the cabin of the aircraft. This is not equal to the air pressure at sea level but at an altitude of about 2,500 meters. It is like being on top of a medium-sized mountain.
The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure. The lower the air pressure, the lower the oxygen saturation in the blood. According to a study published in the journal Thorax, healthy oxygen saturation is around 90%. When it drops below this, muscles and organs stop receiving oxygen, as the body tries to supply oxygen to the brain.
Lack of oxygen can cause dizziness or nausea. Sensitive passengers may begin breathing more deeply or faster than normal. Increased heart rate due to alcohol during sleep can also cause oxygen deficiency.
How was the study conducted?
For the study, 48 test subjects were divided into 2 groups. One was tested in a sleep lab with normal ambient pressure, and the other was tested in an altitude chamber with air pressure similar to that of an airplane cabin. In each group, some people drank alcohol before bedtime and others did not.
The study showed that the average heart rate of intoxicated test subjects in the simulated plane cabin increased by 88 beats per minute while they were asleep. Their oxygen saturation levels decreased by about 85%. Their average heart rate was higher than that of participants in the control group, and their oxygen saturation levels were lower.
At first glance, this difference may not seem so serious. However, the negative effects were clearly visible even in very young and healthy test subjects. For elderly or sick people, reduced oxygen supply and a significantly increased heart rate can be life-threatening.