Why You Shouldn’t Sleep During Airplane Takeoffs and Landings: Health Risks Revealed

The excitement of international travel begins the moment you board the airplane. However, the joy is often short-lived as the boredom of the flight soon sets in, leading many to fall asleep to alleviate tiredness and boredom.

However, it is advised not to sleep during airplane takeoffs and landings due to potential health issues.

USA Today

When an airplane takes off and lands, its altitude changes. During takeoff, the plane ascends to reach an appropriate flight altitude and descends during landing. Our bodies detect the pressure changes associated with these altitude shifts, and our ears are particularly sensitive.

Since the ears are significantly affected by air pressure, they require caution. Usually, the Eustachian tube in our ears balances the pressure between the middle and outer ear. However, during takeoff and landing, the tube can become blocked. This can result in a pressure difference across the eardrums, causing discomfort, pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ears.

Business Insider

Many people have experienced slight pain or a sensation of blocked ears when flying. This blockage and pain are common occurrences during takeoff and landing and can lead to serious health issues if prolonged.

It may start as a feeling of blocked ears and hearing your voice echoing inside your head. If it worsens, fluid can build up in the inner ear and cause bleeding. If this persists, it can also affect the nose.

KLM

You may experience inflammation in the nose, dizziness, nausea, and, in the worst-case scenario, even hearing loss. These issues are all due to changes in the air pressure inside the ears caused by altitude changes during airplane takeoffs and landings. These problems cannot be prevented if one is asleep during these times, so it is advised to stay awake to avoid blockage and ear pain.

Daily Record

To prevent health issues related to pressure changes in the ear, it’s best to stay awake during takeoff and landing. At these times, equalizing the air pressure on the eardrums is crucial. The most basic method is to swallow or yawn continually. These actions can facilitate airflow into the middle ear, equalizing the pressure in your ears.

Performing the Valsalva maneuver is also beneficial. This breathing technique involves closing your mouth, pinching your nose shut, and trying to exhale, pushing air into the back of your nose. Repeating this action can clear blocked ears.

Simple Flying

It is also a good idea to bring earplugs before flying. Earplugs can help regulate the pressure between the outer and inner ear, minimizing discomfort.

The feeling of blocked ears and pain during takeoff and landing can be more intense for those who already suffer from the common cold or rhinitis. It is recommended that such individuals seek treatment before flying. Moreover, those congenitally with weak Eustachian tubes should also be familiar with these preventative methods and consult a doctor before flying.

The primary reason not to sleep during takeoffs and landings is to prevent changes in ear pressure. Although ear pressure is common when boarding an airplane, preventing it is the best method since it can lead to hearing loss.