While oxygen is vital to humans, it shows that decreasing its levels within the airplane can help fight off jet lag for the passengers; at least according to a recent study conducted by several researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom.
The study, using mice as its test subjects, demonstrated how the animals adapted to the lesser levels of oxygen in the air. According to the report published by the journal Cell Metabolism last Thursday, mice that breathed air with considerably less oxygen were able to adapt faster to a six-hour time difference as compared to mice which breathed in only normal air.
Aside from the obvious reasons why oxygen is necessary to humans, the study also pointed out that oxygen is also in charge of maintaining our body's circadian systems in tune. This system ensures that all of the body's cells are coordinated with the body's master internal clock.
According to Deccan Herald, Gad Asher, the lead author of the study held in Israel along with the other scientists, exposed their test subjects into varying concentrations of oxygen; thus synchronizing their cells to create a circadian rhythm.
In order to learn exactly about the key role of oxygen in relation to the circadian rhythm, the scientists observed the oxygen levels found in the mice's blood and tissues.
In conclusion, they found that mice, when subjected to darkness used more oxygen in contrast to light where they used lesser amounts.
After several more experiments, testing out the jet lag in mice, the scientists have concluded that mice do have the propensity for jet lag especially during the daytime.
Light, food and temperature are considered of be the most defining external factors that can manipulate the circadian rhythm.
Though it is still yet to be proven effective for humans, the scientists did argue that it is worth giving a try.
Though low pressure may help in maintaining the well being of the aircraft, some airlines are thinking of means to increase the pressure in their flights as a response to the significant amount of airline passengers experiencing waves of airsickness.
As reported in Traveller, "The aviation industry is investing substantial funds and efforts to improve and increase the cabin oxygen levels to 21 percent oxygen," the study authors wrote. "This should be reconsidered in view of the beneficial effect of reduced oxygen levels in jet lag recovery that are reported here."
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