Snoozing in the Sky
Our Useful Tips for Sleeping on the Plane
Increasing your chances of a solid sleep on a plane involves some preparation and a twist of luck. Thinking ahead can improve your chances of a deep sleep during the flight. However, which passengers you find around you (and how much noise they make) can be another story. Here are a few tips to help you to maximise your chances of getting a solid snooze next time you fly.
24 HOURS BEFORE THE FLIGHT
1. Seat Selection
When booking your flight, or during check-in, try to select a window seat. The window seat gives you the advantage of a little extra room. Also, you don’t need to move every time someone needs to go to the bathroom or stretch their legs. This means that once you get settled in, you are less likely to be disturbed and can enjoy some extended shut-eye.
2. Reduce Caffeine Intake
In the hours leading up to take-off, reducing your caffeine intake can help you to be more relaxed and feel sleepy once you are onboard. Avoiding caffeine means avoiding tea, coffee and energy drinks. Save enjoying a coffee or tea until about an hour before landing if it is a long-distance flight. If you are on flight that has a duration of less than a few hours try to wait until arrival to enjoy a caffeinated drink. That way you will feel invigorated and ready to explore your travel destination.
3. Dress comfortably
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can help you to relax and rest easily while onboard. Soft, natural fabrics are good choices for long distance flights because they are gentle on the skin. It’s also a good idea to wear a few layers so that you have options to adjust your clothing in response to the temperature on the plane, which can often be cold.
4. Stretch
A few yoga poses or body stretches can relieve stress and help the body to feel more relaxed and ready for rest. Stretching your body before flying can also help to balance out the time spent onboard in a reduced space, compared to normal.
ONCE ON BOARD
5. Hydrate
Even though you may want to sleep the entire flight, staying hydrating while flying is extremely important. The air pressure in the cabin causes the air to be dryer than normal and can effect hydration. Make sure you hydrate well before the flight and continue to enjoy a few glasses of water at regular intervals throughout the flight.
6. Pillows and Blankets
Not all flights will offer each passenger a pillow and blanket, but they should be available if you ask for them. Otherwise, it can be a good idea to bring your own onboard. Getting snug and cosy in your seat can help you to enter the sleeping state more easily.
7. Stow Items Above
to increase your leg and stretch room be sure to stow all your items in the cabin above you. This means you will have more room to change your position and are less cramped as you enter slumber.
With these few tips and preparations you have a better chance of getting some rest while on board. Fingers crossed you have quiet neighbours.
OUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
