Travel Tips by: Lifestyle Traveler
There are several reasons why you might feel tired after a flight. But not all causes will apply to everyone, so you will have to identify what aspect is the most detrimental to your energy and overall wellbeing.
Most airplanes fly at an altitude of 30,000 to 40,000 feet. Side effects of elevation include headaches, tiredness, lethargy, and nausea. Even if you might not experience these symptoms during the flight, you could still feel the tiredness when you reach your destination.
Airplane cabins are made to simulate an elevation of 6,000 to 8,000 ft above sea level, and your blood will get a lot less oxygen at such pressure compared to what you are used to.
As a consequence of this low oxygen level, you might feel sleepy, dizzy, and lack concentration. And since your circulation will be reduced due to sitting for so many hours, all these symptoms might get worse, the longer your flight is.
Your body is used to a certain time zone, and it adjusts its internal clock to it (circadian rhythm). When your circadian rhythm is not synchronized with your body, it will take a lot more energy to adjust this rhythm to optimum levels.
Most planes have a humidity level of 10% to 20% which is a lot lower than the humidity inside a house which can be around 40% to 60%. You might feel nausea and dizziness, depending on how your body responds to the low humidity.
During the flight, you will experience turbulences, different noises, and movements that your body is not used to. Naturally, at the end of it, you will feel the need to rest and relax.