An early morning flight can be a difficult one to stay awake for the duration.
However, researchers have found that sleeping during takeoff or landing can cause some longer problems.
Whilst it can be tempting to get some shut-eye, the health issues it causes could last long after getting off the plane.
They could even cause permanent damage.
According to health website MedlinePlus, sleeping during takeoff or landing can create problems with passengers ears.
This is because the air pressure changes that happen when the plane is increasing or decreasing in height rapidly.
Passengers are normally advised to swallow, drink water or chew gum during this to stop ears popping.
If they’re asleep, they won’t be able to do this.
By not doing anything to pop their ears, it means that the pressure change won’t be fixed which can cause other problems.
These include dizziness, ear infections and eardrum damage.
Or for the worst case scenario, nosebleeds and severe hearing loss can also occur.
Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers states: “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.”
“Try not to sleep during take-off and descent as you will not be swallowing as frequently and this can lead to blocked ears.”
However, it’s not the only thing that can cause health problems on a plane.
The circulated air within a plane could also cause long-term issues.
A study by the World Health Organisation found that many fliers suffered from headaches and dizziness when exposed over time.
This is because the air can become infected with engine oil and substances.
