Some people are seriously gifted at falling asleep on planes. As soon has they take their seat, they close their eyes and are off in dreamland well before take off.
It can be easy to envy these people (I know I do), but flight attendants warn that snoozing before take off may not be the smartest move.
No, it’s not just because you will miss the safety demonstration. There are medical reasons too. Apparently these people are more susceptible to nose bleeds.
Say what?
This is because when you are asleep you aren’t able to adjust as well to the way the air pressure in the cabin changes rapidly with the altitude.
Not convinced? We will break it down for you.
A quick change in altitude affects the air pressure in the ear. This leads to a vacuum in the eustachian tubes which makes the ears feel blocked and sound dull.
When you’re sleeping you’re not swallowing as frequently or able to pop your ears meaning your ears are more likely to block up.
According to US National Library of Medicine health information site, MedlinePlus if our ears remain blocked it can lead to dizziness, ear infections, ear drum damage and…… the dreaded nose bleed we spoke about earlier.
Flight attends say staying awake during take off and landing as well as swallowing or popping your ears helps to equalise the air pressure on your eardrums.
You can also avoid it by chewing on gum or lollies before the plane gains altitude. It’s a pretty good excuse to get into the snacks early in the flight.
READ: ULTRA LONG HAUL: These are the 5 longest flights in the world
READ:CHILLZONE: Qantas launch inflight meditation videos to help travellers relax
Did you know that sleeping before take off could cause medical problems? Let us know below.