Fainting/Passing out on a plane

[FlossyFlara]

My husband and I have flown for many years 2-3 times a year but for the past 5 years my husband has been having funny turns after falling asleep whilst in flight. it tends to be on the out bound flight and does not matter if he has had alcohol or not. The trigger is him falling asleep - he wakes up feeling really hot and yawning and then progresses to pass out with his eyes wide open for a few minutes. Tests at hospital have found no other health issues. We get an ice pack on his neck and it brings him round. Has anyone else had this happen - have you found a solution. we think it is just his drop in oxygen levels but is still worrying and putting him off flying - especially long haul flights. hoping there is someone else who may have some answers ?

No answers but yes it happens to me too, I do however have low blood pressure anyway

This happened to me last year and the cabin crew said it's really common, and often because you don't realise you are dehydrated. I was really worried about it recurring as we were flying long haul and had several other flights on our itinerary.

Anyway I ditched the alcohol and made sure I drank tons of water.....touch wood it has never happened again!

Happens to me as well. I also have low blood pressure.

Yawning can be a sign of high carbon dioxide / low oxygen levels. As it's happening after he's asleep, is it possible that he has a mild sleep apnoea which normally (on the ground) doesn't cause problems? The change in air pressure combined with slightly lower oxygen levels might just "tip him over the edge" in terms of his breathing whilst sleeping

My husband falls asleep at the drop of s hat on planes. I tend to feel very short of oxygen and a bit panicky sometimes too - pressures are odd on the body

This happens to my mum too. Something about the pressure in the cabin messing with her blood pressure.

Word of warning - flight crew freak out if you warn them before you board. There is a chance they wouldn’t let you fly.

Wow never heard of that one. We take 6 flights a year. I always try to drink plenty of water before getting on the plane

Thank you everyone for your replies. How do you deal with your turns or the person who it is happening to ? to bring them round ? is it also after you have been asleep on the plane ?
I know what you mean Fence I always want to warn the stewards so I can get a quick response from them if it happens but am wary for that reason.

Happens to me usually on the descent. I feel hot and start going blind. I put my head between my knees which helps. It's a blood pressure thing for me.