A PILOT has revealed why passengers often feel really tired after a flight, even if it's only a short journey.
Being on a plane can really take it out of people, leaving them feeling lethargic, regardless of whether or not they've flown long-haul.
Although the check-in process can leave travellers feeling exhausted, as well as security checks on arrival, there's a scientific reason why flying can sap energy from passengers.
Air Asia's first female pilot, Suwapich Wongwiriyawanich, or Captain Windy as she's better known, explained exactly why you feel drained, regardless of how far you've travelled.
She told Today Online: "Air in the cabin is pressurised to be around 6,000 to 8,000 feet, making it feel like you’re on a high mountain.
"It’s normal to feel tired because you’re breathing in air that’s less dense."
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The air on the plane can also have other negative effects on the human body, aside from making people feel sleepy.
It can also dry out skin and eyes as well, with some people recommending taking action to prevent such problems.
Christine Cancar, who works as both a pilot and an optician, said she takes as many as six flights a weekend, both long and short haul.
She told T3: "The dry cabin atmosphere can make your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, so I keep small single-use vials of hydrating eye drops to keep my eyes moist and in mint condition."
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That's not the only thing she advises wearing, with skin protection also high up on her list of priorities.
She continued: "I keep a tiny pot of aloe vera or Sudocrem to tackle blemishes and spots that appear as well as to soothe dry, itchy skin."
Drinking water can also help prevent your skin from drying out mid-flight, according to some professionals, who recommend upping your liquid intake on planes.
Australian Medical Association vice president Tony Bartone says it’s essential to drink a little more than the standard eight glass of water a day, but also to avoid alcohol and caffeine where you can.
Skin isn't the only thing that be helped by drinking extra water either.
Extra liquid has even been recommended to people who hope to avoid the effects of jet lag on longer journeys.
A flight attendant who works for Air France, said they are even told how much to drink to avoid getting jet lag.
She told travel money specialist Equals: "As a flight attendant, the medical staff tell us we have to drink one litre of water for every four hours of flying."
She added: "I would definitely tell passengers to drink lots of water."
For a long-haul flight, this could mean drinking much more than you may realise.
For example, a flight from the UK to Florida can take up to 12 hours, meaning three litres of water should be drunk during the flight.
This works out to nearly 13 glasses to prevent the effects of jet lag – almost double the recommended daily advice when on the ground.
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Meanwhile, these simple mistakes can also leave you feeling awful after a flight.
And this is how to avoid jet lag and sleep better while on holiday.
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