TORONTO — We’ve all heard how lack of sleep can be harmful to your health. But a recent report by Fox News argues that catching some ZZZs – particularly on planes – can be just as bad for your wellbeing.

While on an airplane, says the report, the air pressure in the cabin changes rapidly as it ascends into the air or descends into its destination. As a result of not properly acclimatizing, our eardrums often take a beating, creating a vacuum effect in the Eustachian tubes that lead to a blocked or plugged feeling in the ears.

British pharmacist Angela Chalmers suggests staying awake during takeoff and descent to allow for frequent swallowing or yawning, which will help ‘pop’ your ears and equalize the air pressure in your ear drums. Chewing gum, drinking water, sucking on candy or blowing your nose are also good ways to achieve this.

And if you ever find that your ears stay blocked after your flight, you may want to consider seeking medical attention. According to MedlinePlus, blocked ears can lead to a number of health issues, including ear infections, eardrum damage, nosebleeds and even hearing loss.