Health
Drinking alcohol before sleeping on a plane could be dangerous, study suggests
Travelers may want to think twice before having a glass of wine on a flight and then grabbing some shuteye.
A new study published in Thorax, a monthly peer-reviewed publication by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that consuming alcohol and then falling asleep on a plane could lead to a drop in blood oxygen levels and a spike in heart rate.
The air in the cabin of a plane already has less oxygen than the air we typically breathe. Drinking alcohol can reduce oxygen levels even further — as does sleep, according to experts.
JUST ‘PLANE RUDE’ FOR PEOPLE TO INVADE YOUR PERSONAL SPACE ON A FLIGHT: HERE’S HOW TO HANDLE IT
In the study, which was led by the Department of Sleep and Human Factors Research at the German Aerospace Center, one group of healthy adults slept for two nights in a sleep laboratory.
Another group slept for the same amount of time in a hypobaric (reduced oxygen) altitude chamber that mimicked an airplane.
Consuming alcohol and then falling asleep on a plane could lead to a drop in blood oxygen levels and a spike in heart rate, a new study has noted. (iStock)
Before one of the nights, the participants consumed alcohol. The German researchers found that the people in the hypobaric chamber experienced a drop in blood oxygen, higher heart rates and a lower quality of sleep after drinking alcohol.
“[Airplane] passengers with cardiopulmonary diseases have an increased risk of aggravation of symptoms due to the decreased cabin pressure at cruising altitude, which is amplified during sleep,” the researchers wrote.
SWITCHING SEATS ON A PLANE: WHEN TO DO IT AND WHEN TO SAY ‘NO,’ ACCORDING TO EXPERTS
“Alcohol, which is often consumed on board, has similar effects, but hypobaric hypoxia-induced changes are usually more pronounced.”
This was the first study to evaluate the combined impact of hypobaric hypoxia (low oxygen concentration at high altitudes) and alcohol during sleep, according to the researchers.
“The study showed that the ability to compensate for cabin oxygen pressure lowering in flight is worsened both by sleep and by alcohol,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the study but called it “well-executed,” although he noted that it was on the small side, with fewer than 50 people.
“The study showed that the ability to compensate for cabin oxygen pressure lowering in flight is worsened both by sleep and by alcohol,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.
“Because of the alcohol and most likely your sleep position, you don’t get restful sleep or go through all the stages of sleep, which causes additional stress on your heart.”
“Those [factors] are synergistic with each other, leading to increased heart rate and likely increased heart pressure and risks, even in young, healthy individuals.”
The findings highlight the need to stay well-hydrated, the doctor noted, as alcohol is a diuretic and airflight is already somewhat dehydrating due to the dry cabin air.
“Be aware that although restive sleep on long flights makes sense, it may interfere with REM sleep and quality of sleep — and may affect oxygen pressure to the point where it is below 90%,” Siegel warned.
Alcohol is a diuretic and airflight is already somewhat dehydrating due to the dry cabin air, the researchers said. (iStock)
Dr. David Campbell, clinical and program director of Recover Together in Bend, Oregon, who was also not involved in the study, said it supports the findings that alcohol consumption and sleep combined with the pressurized environments found on airplanes reduces oxygen levels and increases heart rate.
“Sleep deprivation has been closely associated with increases in irritability, agitation and brain fog, as well as escalations of anxiety, depression and challenges with mood regulation and memory — things most people would typically like to avoid on their next family vacation or business trip,” he told Fox News Digital.
“I would caution those with obstructive sleep apnea, COPD or obesity from consuming alcohol pre-flight or in-flight.”
While Campbell echoed Siegel’s comment that the study is small in scale, he said the findings should be investigated further to gauge the physiological and psychological impact.
“Despite the need for further research and a larger sample size, I would caution those with obstructive sleep apnea, COPD or obesity against consuming alcohol pre-flight or in-flight, to avoid co-consumption of alcohol and other sleep aids or medicines, and to limit blue light to improve sleep quality and mood when traveling,” he advised.
Alcohol alternatives on planes
Dr. Adam Scioli, chief medical officer at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, noted that most people drink alcohol when flying to fall asleep or to manage their stress, which itself increases the risk of a cardiovascular event.
“You’ve got a situation where because of the alcohol and most likely your sleep position, you don’t get restful sleep or go through all the stages of sleep, which causes additional stress on your heart and cardiovascular system,” said a chief medical officer. (iStock)
“Now you’ve got a situation where because of the alcohol and most likely your sleep position, you don’t get restful sleep or go through all the stages of sleep, which causes additional stress on your heart and cardiovascular system,” Scioli, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
“This can be exacerbated by the fact that many people don’t drink enough water before they fly, which causes dehydration — again increasing the likelihood of negative impact on their heart.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
There are other, more effective ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety than drinking, according to Scioli.
Some of those include breathing, mindfulness and reading a book.
An expert recommended other ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety, such as breathing, mindfulness and reading a book. (iStock)
“Finally, to avoid cardiovascular events due to hypobaric hypoxia, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy meal and plan to manage stress during take off and landing,” Scioli advised.
“Know your heart health and take necessary precautions,” he said. “Avoid alcohol, cannabis and other drugs that can add stress to your cardiovascular system.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
Anyone who has a true panic disorder or fear of flying should talk to a medical professional about medications that can be useful.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers requesting further comment.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Nearly half of cancers could be avoided by cutting out three major risk factors, a new study has revealed.
Research published this week in Nature Medicine identified that nearly 40% of global cancer cases are linked to tobacco (15% of new cases), infections (10%) and alcohol consumption (3%).
Overall, 7.1 million cancer diagnoses in 2022 were linked to 30 modifiable risk factors, according to the study.
DOES CANCER REDUCE ALZHEIMER’S RISK? NEW STUDY EXPLORES THE CONNECTION
“The key here is that almost half of all cancers could be prevented by behavioral changes,” Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News Digital senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.
Conducted by the World Health Organization and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the study analyzed global cancer data across 185 countries, matching it with exposure data for the 30 risk factors.
Nearly half of cancers could be avoided by cutting out three major risk factors, a new study has revealed. (iStock)
Lung, stomach and cervical cancers accounted for nearly half of the cases that were linked to modifiable risks, with many linked to viruses and bacteria like the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori (a common bacterium that infects the stomach lining).
“Preventable cancers of the cervix and throat are directly linked to the HPV virus and can be prevented by the HPV vaccine,” added Siegel, who was not involved in the study.
DEADLY CANCER RISK SPIKES WITH CERTAIN LEVEL OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, STUDY FINDS
Lung cancer, throat and GI cancers, and several others were linked to cigarette smoking, and alcohol was associated with breast, liver, colon and throat cancer, the doctor noted.
“Environmental factors are also key, varying by geography — 45% of new cancers could be prevented in men, and 30% in women,” he said.
Lung, stomach and cervical cancers accounted for nearly half of the cases that were linked to modifiable risks. (iStock)
Study author Hanna Fink, from the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC/WHO, said the main message is that many cancers can be prevented.
“Almost four in 10 new cancer cases worldwide, which represent 7.1 million lives that don’t need to be changed by a cancer diagnosis, were linked to things we can change or modify through awareness and public-health action,” she told Fox News Digital.
COMMON VITAMIN BYPRODUCT MAY HELP CANCER EVADE IMMUNE SYSTEM, STUDY FINDS
“These things include tobacco smoking, infections, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation and others.”
Looking ahead, the researchers recommend that stronger prevention strategies targeting tobacco use, infections, unhealthy body weight and alcohol use could substantially reduce global cancer cases.
“The key here is that almost half of all cancers could be prevented by behavioral changes.”
“The study reinforces that cancer prevention works, and action is most effective at the population level,” Fink said.
“Governments and communities play a crucial role by making healthy choices easier, for example, through higher tobacco and alcohol taxes, smoke-free policies, clear health warnings, safer workplaces, cleaner air, and affordable access to vaccination and screening. Individuals can support these by advocating for healthier environments and using available preventive services.”
Reducing the risk
The AIRC offers the following recommendations to minimize cancer risk.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
- Do not smoke, and if you do smoke, seek help to quit.
- Keep alcohol intake as low as possible, as “there is no safe level of alcohol for cancer risk.”
- Aim for a healthy body weight over time with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Move more and sit less, as even small amounts of daily movement help.
- Take advantage of vaccines, especially the HPV vaccination for young people and the hepatitis B vaccination.
Tobacco was linked to 15% of new cancer cases, making it the largest modifiable risk factor. (iStock)
“As a family physician, I try to help my patients understand how important their daily habits are in lowering their future cancer risk,” said Dr. Chris Scuderi, a cancer survivor and Florida-based family physician.
The doctor’s key prevention targets include daily exercise, consistent and restorative sleep, a Mediterranean-style diet, regular doctor’s visits and sufficient rest.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Small daily wins add up to make a powerful difference over time,” added Scuderi, who also was not involved in the research. “It’s also essential to stay on top of your routine screenings, which your family physician can help you with.”
Potential limitations
The study did have some limitations. The researchers often used data from around 2012 due to the long delay between exposure and cancer, which means the data may not reflect the most recent behaviors or environments.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“This is a necessary simplification, because in reality, latency can be longer or shorter depending on the cancer and the exposure,” Fink noted.
A doctor recommended daily exercise, consistent and restorative sleep, a Mediterranean-style diet, regular doctor’s visits and sufficient rest to help reduce risk. (iStock)
Siegel pointed out that cancer types vary by geographic region — for example, stomach cancer is more prominent in Asia — and the relationships between risk factors and cancer prevalence can differ between countries, populations and time periods.
“We rely on the best available data on how common each risk factor is in different countries and how strongly it is linked to cancer, but these data are not perfect and are weaker in some low- and middle-income countries,” Fink said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Finally, the study only looked at 30 risk factors with the strongest evidence and global data.
“Our estimate of ‘almost 40% of cancers are preventable’ is very likely conservative,” the researcher added. “Some other suspected causes, such as certain aspects of diet, could not be included because the science or the data are not yet robust enough at a global level.”
Health
New Mexico newborn dies from Listeria infection after mother drank raw milk while pregnant: state officials
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A newborn baby in New Mexico died from a Listeria infection likely tied to the mother drinking raw milk while pregnant, according to state health officials.
The New Mexico Department of Health issued a warning Tuesday urging people to avoid consuming raw dairy products following the newborn’s death. Health officials believe the “most likely” source of infection was the mother drinking unpasteurized milk during pregnancy.
While investigators said they could not determine the exact cause, they said the “tragic death underscores the serious risks raw dairy poses to pregnant women, young children, elderly New Mexicans and anyone with a weakened immune system.”
Raw milk has seen a surge in popularity amid the Make America Healthy Again movement led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
FIVE DEATHS REPORTED AMID BACTERIAL INFECTION OUTBREAK IN MAJOR CITY
Health officials say a New Mexico newborn died from a Listeria infection likely linked to the mother drinking raw milk during pregnancy. (iStock)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a regulation decades ago prohibiting the interstate sale of raw milk, but the drink is not federally banned, leaving individual states to decide whether it’s safe for human consumption.
“Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and deaths in newborns,” Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health said in a statement.
Raw milk has not been pasteurized — a process that heats milk to remove disease-causing germs.
DEADLY BACTERIAL OUTBREAK INFECTS DOZENS IN CITY NEIGHBORHOOD AS OFFICIALS SOUND ALARM
A New Mexico newborn’s death has been linked by health officials to a Listeria infection tied to raw milk consumption. (iStock)
Consuming food or beverages made from raw milk can expose people to Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, Brucella and Salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., infecting about 1,250 people and causing roughly 172 deaths each year, according to the CDC.
The CDC notes that certain groups of people, including children under the age of 5, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, have a higher risk of serious illness.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
New Mexico health officials are warning against consuming raw dairy products after a newborn died from a Listeria infection. (iStock)
“New Mexico’s dairy producers work hard to provide safe, wholesome products and pasteurization is a vital part of that process,” Jeff M. Witte, New Mexico secretary of agriculture, said in a statement. “Consumers, particularly those at higher risk, are encouraged to choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness.”
Last August, an outbreak of E. coli and Campylobacter linked to raw milk from a Florida farm sickened 21 people, including six children.
Three bystanders hospitalized after vehicle crashes into Wisconsin building
America 250: Wheeling’s Independence Hall marks birthplace of West Virginia
Wyoming child dies due to influenza
Bitcoin loses half its value in three months amid crypto crunch
State finance committee approves bill to fund homeless veterans support
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: Investigators Say Doorbell Camera Was Disconnected Before Nancy Guthrie’s Kidnapping
White House says murder rate plummeted to lowest level since 1900 under Trump administration
Council of Europe chief calls for political and financial backing of Ukraine Special Tribunal
Republicans pan Democrats’ demands for ICE reform in DHS funding, with little time to reach deal
LIVE: White House press briefing
-
Indiana4 days ago13-year-old rider dies following incident at northwest Indiana BMX park
-
Massachusetts5 days agoTV star fisherman, crew all presumed dead after boat sinks off Massachusetts coast
-
Tennessee6 days agoUPDATE: Ohio woman charged in shooting death of West TN deputy
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoVikram Prabhu’s Sirai Telugu Dubbed OTT Movie Review and Rating
-
Indiana3 days ago13-year-old boy dies in BMX accident, officials, Steel Wheels BMX says
-
Politics1 week agoVirginia Democrats seek dozens of new tax hikes, including on dog walking and dry cleaning
-
Austin, TX6 days ago
TEA is on board with almost all of Austin ISD’s turnaround plans
-
Texas5 days agoLive results: Texas state Senate runoff
