[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]I’ve discovered that there are normally two categories of people during my years of flying. The first group prefers to remain awake. They would rather read, watch a movie, or engage in a nice conversation with the person sitting next to them. The second group would prefer to spend their free time getting some rest. However, learning how to sleep on an aircraft might be challenging.
I’ll admit that I belong to the latter group. Flying means being still for long periods, thus I’d rather spend the time dreaming. It isn’t always simple, though. Not exactly the comfiest place to sleep in an airplane. Lack of room, background noise, and sporadic turbulence are all present.
Thankfully, there are a few items that help with airplane sleep. Let’s first discuss why it’s so difficult to fall asleep on an aircraft in the first place.
Why You Probably Can’t Get Any Sleep
First things first, let’s discuss the probable cause of your inability to get any rest in the first place. Numerous aspects of flight travel may make it difficult for you to relax:
Aircraft chairs aren’t exactly constructed with our comfort in mind. Instead, they are designed to accommodate as many passengers as feasible. However, there isn’t much room for either legroom or reclined seating without bumping into another passenger’s lap.
Other travelers: While you can usually choose your seat, you can’t decide who will be sitting next to you on the flight. Your ability to enjoy some restful sleep can be disturbed by a snorer, talker, or screaming youngster!
It’s not organic: Your body is aware that an airline seat is not your regular place to fall asleep. As a result, it will be challenging to fall asleep on your own as quickly as you would if you were in bed.
Now that you are aware of why it is so challenging to sleep in the sky, let’s discuss your options. Here are our top ten suggestions for getting the most rest and comfort while sleeping on a plane.
1. Prepare yourself before the flight
What we do before the
travel affects our ability to get a good night’s sleep throughout the flight. Exercise, staying hydrated, and thoughtfully scheduling your flights can all be helpful.
Try your best to choose direct, nonstop flights when making your reservation so you may stay put and get the best possible sleep as opposed to having to wake up to change flights. Avoid flying on red-eyes because they can keep you awake and affect the quality of your sleep (unless it’s a complete overnight flight where you can obtain the most hours of sleep). Additionally, you’ll want to invest the extra money on a seat (more on this later).
A decent workout is also beneficial. Have you ever noticed how relaxing a nap can be after a vigorous workout? Try to squeeze in some vigorous activity if you have time to exhaust your body before the flight. Your muscles will be exhausted as a result, which will make it easier for you to go sleep and stay asleep.
Start hydrating your body as soon as possible to avoid dehydration. The air in airplanes is incredibly dry. When your mouth is also dry, it can be rather challenging to become comfortable enough to fall asleep. At least 24 hours before your flight, hydrate your body by drinking lots of water. By hydrating beforehand, you can avoid guzzling water and frequent bathroom visits while flying.
2. Modify your sleeping schedule
If you want to get a sufficient amount of rest on the plane, you might need to make a few little tweaks to your sleep habit and timetable. Additionally, it will assist in preventing jet lag and significant disruptions to your circadian rhythm when traveling on aircraft with wide time zone variations.
I’m exhausted after getting the early flights and staying up late the night before, so I fall asleep on the plane. It also aids in my ability to doze off for a substantial amount of the journey. However, it can seriously mess with one’s sleep schedule for lengthy journeys and those that cross many time zones (like the 13+ hour direct flight I once took to Dubai).
Sleep specialists claim that it takes our bodies about 24 hours to change our biological clocks by an hour. Start gradually modifying your sleep schedule in advance to match the time zone you’ll be traveling to combat jet lag and maintain your circadian rhythm.
3. Pick Your Seat Wisely
Spending the extra money to be able to select your flight seat is worthwhile if obtaining a good night’s sleep is one of your priorities. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to pick that seat very carefully!
First and foremost, you’re already ahead of the game if your budget enables you to select a first-class or business-class seat. These seats often have more space and are more comfortable than those in economy class. Even fully reclined seats, a la a bed, are available on some carriers! The window seat, however, is the greatest option if you’re traveling in economy class if you want to sleep. It not only provides you with a place to lay your head, but it also prevents you from being disturbed when your neighbor wants to use the restroom.
There is nothing more awkward than falling over on another passenger’s shoulder if you are forced to sleep upright in the dreaded middle seat, where you are forced to squeeze between two people and struggle for the armrest. The individuals next to you getting up to use the restroom, or the continual passing of the flight attendants and other passengers in the aisle, are things to be concerned about if you are in an aisle seat in the meantime.
Avoid the last row on the plane if possible because they cannot recline unless you don’t mind sleeping straight. Avoid the exit row at all costs, despite how alluring the extra legroom may be. The majority of exit row seats have a fixed armrest and do not recline.
4. Don the Right Attire
I’ve discovered that the temperature on aircraft is never “just right.” Either it’s warm or it’s chilly. I find that layering helps me adapt to the temperature of the airplane. The greatest attire for falling asleep is also light, loose-fitting clothing and shoes that are simple to put on and take off (particularly on those lengthy flights).
Additionally, wearing a decent pair of compression socks lowers your chance of blood clotting or circulation problems during flying. After a long day of flying, Belapicnic suggests the CHARMKING compression socks for both sexes since they are lightweight, cozy, and will make you feel calm and renewed.
5. Watch Your Drinking
You now understand that being hydrated is essential to feel relaxed enough to sleep before takeoff, but what you consume while on a flight is just as important!
Although it may be enticing for coffee drinkers, it is not a good idea. It is recommended to completely avoid coffee because it will have the opposite impact of what you want. Furthermore, you might want to reconsider having that wine or other alcoholic beverage. While some people find that a few drinks may help them sleep better, others find that it only increases anxiety, results in poorer sleep, and makes them feel groggier after the journey. Not to mention that it will further dehydrate you!
6. Take Supplements and Sleep Aids Into Account
Finding a way to sleep on an aircraft might be challenging for people who are extremely sensitive to their environment. In this situation, taking supplements and sleep aids may be required to get some rest on an aircraft. Benadryl and Ambien are two widely used options. They do, however, also have some undesirable side effects, like sleepwalking, dehydration, and that uneasy grogginess that can continue for a long time after your travel.
However, because your body already produces melatonin, it is a more pleasant and secure sleep aid. Because they may be taken without water, Belapicnic suggests Natrol Melatonin Fast Dissolve Tablets for flying. Melatonin needs to be taken about five hours before your journey, so taking it requires some preparation. Lavender, chamomile, and passion flower are a few additional all-natural sleep aids and herbal supplements that are excellent choices for promoting sleep.
No matter the sleep aid you select, it’s important to consider the duration of your travel and whether your body will get enough rest during it. For instance, I wouldn’t risk taking sleeping pills on the 45-minute flight from Washington, DC to New York since they would put me to sleep too soundly to function normally once the plane landed.
7. Use an earplug and eye mask
Purchasing a comfy eye mask will work wonders for assisting you in falling asleep on an aircraft because natural light can keep you from obtaining a good night’s sleep. You can use it in conjunction with quality earplugs to drown out ambient noise and be prepared to get some rest on your upcoming travel.
The ROVAZO 3D Sleep Mask and Ear Plug Travel Set from Amazon are suggested by Belapicnic. It includes a travel bag that may be conveniently stored in your purse or carry-on. A second pair is included for your traveling companion. And don’t worry if you have lengthy eyelashes. They are unrestricted by the mask’s indentation because of it!
8. Purchase a pair of noise-canceling headphones
A good set of noise-canceling headphones can also help you achieve sleep if earplugs are insufficient or bothersome, or if you simply wish to lose yourself in your music while you sleep.
Headphones with noise cancellation will keep out both airplane noise and any chitchat from your neighbors. Additionally, a decent pair of headphones, like the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, have the amazing sound quality to make drifting off to your favorite music even more enjoyable.
9. Relax While Flying
Even while the design of the airplane seat may be beyond your control, you may always improve the comfort of your trip. You can simply get comfortable and toasty in your seat with the use of a neck pillow, travel cushion, and blanket. The Proglobe Travel Blanket Luxury Travel Set is a favorite of Belapicnic. It includes earplugs, a molded eye mask, a fleece blanket, and a memory foam neck pillow. Once your travel blanket is in position, you should buckle your seatbelt over it rather than around it. By fastening your seatbelt from the top, flight attendants may check your safety without disturbing you.
Don’t forget to utilize the items that are currently on the aircraft as well! You can use the tray table as a sleeping surface if you bring along some sanitizing wipes; just remember to raise it before landing. Those footrests are also there for a reason—to make you more comfortable! Instead of crossing your legs—which, despite its comfort, might impede blood flow and raise your risk of blood clots—place your legs up on the footrest.
10. Stay away from screens
Using your electronic gadget to watch a movie or play a game is a terrific way to pass the time during the journey. They are not, however, the best suggestions for sleeping on an airplane.
Using screens immediately before trying to get some sleep is never a good idea, whether you’re flying or not. According to studies, the
blue light that screens emit might suppress melatonin and disrupt your circadian cycle. It is challenging to get the necessary quantity of rest because of this. You should turn off your electronics for at least an hour before attempting to get some rest if you want to sleep well.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
