Drinking alcohol before dozing off on flights may have dire consequences. Here’s why

Drinking alcohol may be the go-to way to unwind for many. But new research suggests that a drink before a nap in the clouds could be a bad idea; it’s a cocktail that could be putting your heart under extra pressure.

A new paper published by researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and RWTH Aachen University highlights the hidden dangers of sleeping after drinking alcohol on a plane, particularly for older passengers and those with medical conditions.

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Why alcohol and altitude don’t mix well

For the study, 48 test subjects were divided into two groups: one that was examined in a sleep laboratory with normal ambient pressure, and another that was examined in an altitude chamber featuring air pressure akin to that of an airplane cabin.

Within each group, some test subjects drank alcohol, equivalent to two cans of beer or two glasses of wine, before sleeping and others did not.

The study showed that the average heart rate of the drunk test subjects in the simulated aircraft cabin rose to 88 beats per minute while they slept. Their oxygen saturation (SpO2) fell to about 85%. Whereas, a healthy SpO2 sits around 90%, according to the study, published in the journal Thorax.

Their average heart rates were higher than the participants in the control groups, and their oxygen saturation levels were lower.
A low SpO2 and a high heart rate were found to put extra strain on the cardiovascular system.

These factors also reduced time spent in deep and REM sleep, which are both important for sleep quality.

Should alcohol be banned on flights?

Whether alcohol should be banned on flights has been a point of contention for decades. However, a shortcoming of this study was its very small sample size, with all the participants young and healthy.

The shift in stats for the elderly and more vulnerable might be even more pronounced. In older people or those with heart or lung diseases, symptoms could be even more serious, the authors wrote.

Nevertheless, the researchers hope that the study will stimulate more research into the topic.

"Public awareness of this topic should be raised through patient charities, public campaigns and written health advice of airlines," wrote the researchers, who advocate changing the existing regulations on airplanes and limiting alcohol consumption on board.

(With inputs from agencies)