If you've been on social media over the past few weeks, it's likely you'll have come across the 'raw-dogging' trend that many people are doing whilst on board planes . This bizarre act where passengers spend their full-time mid-air simply staring ahead without any distractions, entertainment or even hydration has been coined as a challenge to show how tough you really are. However, while some claim the challenge strengthens the ‘power of the mind’, the reality is very different - as it can actually be quite dangerous.
READ MORE: 'I took an extra bag on a Ryanair flight for free using a sneaky TikTok hack' Sleep expert and CEO of Happy Beds , Rex Isap, has warned travellers against 'raw-dogging' their next flight, as it could take up to five days to recover from just one flight. Not only that, but the act of 'raw dogging', if you're a frequent traveller, could have a significant negative impact on your long-term health. And one of the most significant issues with ‘raw-dogging’ flights is its impact on your circadian rhythm.
Your circadian rhythm is your body’s 24-hour clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It’s essential for maintaining your body’s sleep patterns, hormone release, and overall well-being. When you deprive yourself of sleep on a long-haul flight by staring ahead and avoiding relaxation, you throw your body clock into chaos.
And the blue light emitted by aeroplane screens - whether you’re paying attention to them or not - and overhead lighting.