Sleeping on the Airplane
For many people, it is difficult to fall asleep during a flight, and it is even harder if you are stressed out while on an airplane. This pages has a few tips that will help you get the best sleep possible during your flight.
Book a Red-Eye Flight
If you book a flight at the time you would normally sleep, it makes it much easier to catch some zzz's. The important thing to remember is to stay awake once you arrive at you destination so that you don't fall into the trap of getting jet lag if you are traveling across multiple time zones.
Keep Your Seat Area Clear
Try to keep your leg space clear so that you can fully recline. Before the plane takes off, take out of your bag the few things you may need during your flight, and put them in the pocket in front of you. Put the rest of your belongings in the overhead cabin to maximize your space.
Dress Comfortably
Wearing comfortable clothes will help to feel like you're at home and could assist in making it seem like you're doing your nighttime routine.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can keep you calm and rested, which will help in the process of beginning to sleep. Some exercises can be found here.
Comfortable Positions
Unless you are in a seat that fully reclines, you only have a seat that reclines a little bit, an armrest, and the window if you happen to get a window seat. It is important to position your body correctly to avoid waking up with cramps in the neck or back.
- Keep your legs straight with a little bend in the knees
- Lean your head on the window if you are in a window seat.
Bring a Pillow or Neck Support
Having a pillow or neck support to rest on is helpful and will make sleeping more comfortable, as well as preventing getting cricks when you wake up.
Be Careful of What You Eat and Drink
Due to altitude changes and sitting for prolonged periods, flights can cause flatulence in the body. Some foods to avoid that commonly create gas would be legumes and broccoli. Soft drinks should also be avoided because of the carbonation contributing to the build up of gas. Often times, airports have many restaurants with carb-loaded and fatty foods; those should also be avoided because they can cause indigestion and heartburn. Lastly, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking water. Being in a plane at such high altitudes will make you dehydrated should you not stay properly hydrated.
Wear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
While these may be an investment, noise-cancelling headphones are very effective in drowning out white noises. This would help for making a quieter sleeping environment. Additionally, you can play a sleeping playlist.
Try a Sleeping Aid
While these may help you knock out, it is best to avoid these unless absolutely necessary. If there were to be an emergency, then you may not be able to exit safely due to feeling groggy. However, if you know how sleep aids affect you, then they may be very useful.