Are you scheduled to be on a flight today, tomorrow or sometime soon? If you are, then one of the things you’re likely dreading is trying to sleep on the plane.
Flying at 30,000 feet in air doesn’t make for restful sleep. There’s cramped seating, air pressure and noisy fellow passengers to content with. While some sleep deprivation is impossible to prevent, there are a few things you can to at least feel somewhat rested during your journey.
- Choosing the right seat
Unfortunately, not all airplane seats are equal. First-class seats are designed with comfort in mind, but they also cost more as a result. If you’re travelling on a budget, booking a first-class ticket may not be feasible. Thankfully, there are the exit and bulkhead row seats. Both rows offer greater leg space. An added bonus is that children can’t be seated in the exit rows, meaning you’ll also avoid having crying babies near you.
More legroom goes a long to helping you sleep. Experts say that cramped spaces can reduce blood circulation, adding stress to your lumbar. Reclining your chair will put lesser pressure on your back, aiding sleep.
If these options aren’t available to you, then book a window seat. This way, at least you’ll have control on the amount of light hitting your face.
- Getting the right Sleeping gear
The right gear can be a help as well. Ear plugs, eye masks, sweatshirts, blankets, neck pillows and anything else that will your comfort are all items you should consider packing.
There are also helpful apps that can help, such as Sleep Machine App. It produces sounds of thunder, rain, running water, nature and numerous other soothing noises to help you doze off.
- Minimize distractions
The more you get up or move around, the less likely you’ll fall asleep. For that reason, make sure to buckle up at all times. Nothing is more annoying than finally dozing off, only for the airline stewardess to wake you up to remind you to lock your seat belt.
Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and over-eating is strongly recommended. Alcohol will interfere with your ability to reach deep-sleep, caffeine is a stimulant and over-eating may lead to discomfort and indigestion.
Lastly, don’t glare at any screen. The blue background light from your cell phone, laptop or overhead TV will disrupt your sleep patterns.
If all else fails, you can bury your nose in a book (preferably a boring one), or listen to music, or better yet, plan for your journey ahead. Book an airport pick-up or search for restaurants and other specialties of the town. The only thing we urge you to do is not disturb your fellow sleeping passengers!