Surprising Tricks: How To Sleep On A Flight
Image: Istock
Traveling has become more frequent than ever. We fly across continents to meet family and friends, and for work purposes too. When you get off the plane, however, you often feel tired and groggy. How would it be if, during those long hours, you manage to get a good night’s sleep? Check out some of these tricks that might just help you fall asleep on a plane full of people.
1. Dress Comfortably
Wear those pajamas or pack them up in your carry on bag. I mean, if you’re going to spend the next few hours on a plane, you might as well be comfortable. Surely, you would want to be polite to others and dress appropriately, but take a moment to think of all those times when you shared a flight with infants. I bet they didn’t think of what’s acceptable, and put their comfort of crying and getting scared way before wondering what others would think of them.
2. The Right Seat
Make sure to remember your comfortable sleeping side. That’s the side you need to pick while booking your seats. If the left side makes you a happy sleeper in bed, for instance, choose the left side of the plane. For those looking for some privacy and leaning support, the window seat is best. Don’t end up reserving a seat close to the lavatory if you want to catch some sleep.
3. Darkness Is Good
Light is your enemy on a flight. It’s brilliant under other circumstances, but if you’re looking to be knocked out for those hours and cruise in dreamland, it better be dark. Switch off that TV monitor and the cabin light over your head. Get hold of a sleep mask if you can. It really does help. It also works to keep your eyes shut for a while, even if you’re unable to sleep. You will feel more rested with your eyes closed than when you are fully alert.
4. Pack Light
Whatever you need, pack it in a small bag good enough for the overhead bin. Try not to keep anything under the seat to take up your leg space. This may seem like a minor discomfort, but during those long distance flights, even a little more space in a tiny allotted area can make a huge difference.
5. No Caffeine
Surely, you know that caffeine isn’t going to help you fall asleep. Try to avoid the temptation to get coffee or tea, and go for juice or water instead so that you can get some good rest. Once you’re off the plane and feel rejuvenated, indulge yourself by all means.
6. Neck Pillow
Pick the rightly sized pillow that works for you. Cabeau Memory Foam “Evolution Pillow” is a wonderful option. It is adjustable to your preferences and can even be compressed to fit your travel bag. Relax your neck and sleep like a baby.
Sometimes, sleep doesn’t come easily, even in the most comfortable setting. But what’s worse is, when you really want to sleep and, somehow, the setting doesn’t cooperate. These tricks will make the atmosphere just right for you to fall asleep the moment you’re ready. No distractions.
