A doctor has revealed a leg position to avoid while flying. Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, shared on TikTok the common mistake many travellers make and why it’s crucial to avoid it. Under the username @neenziemd, she explains that “you are a higher risk of blood clots” when up in the air.
“This is because the barometric pressure induces an inflammatory state within our bodies and can lead to clots in our bodies. Especially our legs.”
Many of us are familiar with the feeling of cramped legs on a flight – unless we pay for extra legroom. However, what many don’t realise is that crossing your legs is a big mistake.
The health expert warns: “The worst position to have your feet is crossed. This is because if your legs are crossed, that allows for more blood to pull with your veins being pressed against each other.”
Talking about the air in the sky versus what we live with, she says: “The barometric pressure in the air is a lot higher and different than what’s normal ground” such as when we walk and when we drive. However she notes that the caveat is driving long distance.
Adding to this, she suggests buying “compression stockings” to tackle the issue and reduce your risk. The doctor continues: “So if you’re traveling, especially internationally, take walks. Make sure that you are moving around that blood flow.”
To do this she says you should “not stay in one place. You can walks in aisles, you can do little exercise exercises under your seat.”
If you’re hoping to sleep on a plane, experts recommend taking “power naps.” Doctors from Harvard Health explain that a well-timed nap can leave you feeling refreshed and alert while also preventing the grogginess often caused by oversleeping.
If you’re hoping to sleep on a plane, experts recommend taking “power naps.” Doctors from Harvard Health explain that a well-timed nap can leave you feeling refreshed and alert while also preventing the grogginess often caused by oversleeping.
Experts recommend sticking to two key rules: timing your nap correctly and keeping it brief. Doing it for this period of time “can effectively increase your level of alertness and focus”, the experts say.
Harvard Health explains: “Power naps allow your body and mind to rest without entering deeper stages of sleep. Once you enter deep sleep — typically about 30 minutes after you’ve fallen asleep — you are likely to experience ‘sleep inertia’ upon waking.
“Sleep inertia is the drowsy feeling you may get when you wake up, in which you feel temporarily disorientated and are slower to react. It can take your body 30 to 60 minutes to recover from sleep inertia.”