The rate of change in oxygen levels can affect physiological response. There is individual variation in physiological response to increasing altitude and in how people feel with reduced oxygen levels. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and insomnia.
While many love the experience of travelling by flight, it can be a nightmare for others who often complain of experiencing jet lag, nausea, memory loss, or brain fog post their journey. Some studies show that even relatively mild levels of hypoxia (deficiency in oxygen) can alter our ability to think clearly.
Jet lag impacts most people, but its symptoms can go far beyond disrupting your sleep schedule. For many, the symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, stomach problems (always a treat when you're sightseeing or in a meeting), mood changes, dehydration, and the general feeling that things are off.
Oxygen. Lower oxygen levels contribute to the fatigue you're feeling. Because plane cabins are pressurized to simulate a 6,000-8,000 feet elevation, your blood absorbs less oxygen at those altitudes. This can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and a lack of mental sharpness.
The main aspect of in-flight health that most of us will encounter is tiredness and changes to circadian rhythms. Flying often involves getting up at unsociable hours, inadequate sleep and messing up the body clock — all of which leave us more susceptible to being hit nastily by any bugs that may be floating about.
But if the body's circadian rhythms are disrupted often—say, by repeated international travel—the impact can be severe. A 2007 study published in The Lancet linked repeated jet lag to cognitive decline, mood disorders, and even heart disease.
Symptoms are worse the farther you travel
Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.
Disembarkment syndrome is a medical condition that may occur following a sustained motion event like an aircraft flight or cruise. It is a neurological condition that is normally diagnosed by a neurologist when the sufferer reports a persistent swaying, rocking, or bobbing sensation.
Many people who experience jet lag feel better a few days after arriving to their destination. For some people, it can take up to one week to feel fully back to themselves.
In the case of a pneumocephalus patient embarking on air travel, the expansion of ICA in response to the smaller cabin pressure will lead to a decrease in the volume of the brain, the CSF and blood, which subsequently raises the ICP.
The air pressure on board is roughly equivalent to the conditions on an Alpine peak. Due to this reduced air pressure compared to ground level, the fluid accumulation in the brain can expand and cause complications. Even if someone wanted to ignore these risks and still fly, it would not be possible.
During decrease in ambient external pressure (as in an aircraft cabin during ascent in flight) and given unchanged temperature, intracranial gas volume will increase. As intracranial gas volume increases, this will also lead to an increase in ICP, as long as the dura mater and/or calvarium is intact.
Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.
Drink Lots of Water
For the best detoxifying benefits, add lemon to warm water. I also love to add fresh mint, sliced cucumbers, or limes. You can also drink hot herbal tea (and preferably replace your morning coffee with this as you are focusing on detoxing!)
Air is actually less oxygen-dense at higher altitudes. Meaning the higher you go, the less oxygen will be available to you. While you may not consciously notice any trouble breathing, you are likely to feel drained and tired once you land at your destination.
While the effects typically clear up in a few hours after returning to land, they can last for as long as two days. Symptoms can also return, or increase in intensity, if the condition is triggered. For some people, it does not go away without medical intervention.
The lower oxygen levels and prolonged sitting on long flights doesn't just impair your immune system's ability to fight infections, it also puts you at risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Together, these two conditions make up the third most common cardiovascular disease after heart attack and stroke.
Jet lag is when your normal sleep pattern is disturbed after a long flight. It usually improves within a few days as your body adjusts to the new time zone.
The air pressure while flying increases the risk of blood clots forming, which is not ideal. Heart complications: If you've suffered a heart attack, stroke, cardiac failure or chest pain while at rest, flying should wait. The lower oxygen levels, increased air pressure, high altitude and more could affect your health.
Based upon the calculation above, the average American can expect to take approximately 208 flights in their lifetime.
Bloating after flying, also known as “jet belly” or “airplane belly”, is a common travel side effect, and most people might just try to stomach the discomfort from the added gas in your digestive system.
Why are we so sore? Surprisingly, the stress of traveling and continuous anxiety of the flight can lead to tightness. Nerves and stress can foster contracted muscles, which can turn to pain after a trip from LAX to SRQ.