One of the hardest things to do on a plane is getting quality sleep. From limited legroom to legroom to noise from movies, video games and screaming children, there are many distractions that prevent you from sleeping. However, if you’re on a long flight, you’re bound to get sleepy at some point. If you struggle to get some shuteye, there are some useful hacks you can try to create a conducive environment for sleep. Here are some hacks to help you sleep better on your next flight.
Reduce Your Carry-On Luggage
Bulky carry-on luggage can limit your already cramped legroom on a plane. This makes it hard to get comfortable and in turn, prevents you from getting some sleep. If you can avoid placing a bag into the space beneath your seat, the better. Keep only a few small necessities such as identification documents, a book, a charger, a snack, a bottle of water and sanitary products in the carry-on bag. 5 Things You Should Have In Your Carry-On Bag
Invest In A Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is a must-have accessory for travelling on a plane. It provides better head support which ensures that you catch some sleep without your head moving around so much due to turbulence. Additionally, you can avoid waking up with a neck cramp due to a bad sleeping position which makes flying a better experience. So, next time you’re going on a plane, remember to carry a neck pillow for maximum comfort.
Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol
We all know that caffeine can keep you up all night so when you’re on a plane, the last thing you should be drinking is coffee or tea. However, many people make the mistake of drinking alcohol hoping that it will knock them out and help them sleep better. Well, alcohol can also be an enemy of sleep since it dehydrates you causing you discomfort. It’s best to stick to water. Reasons You Need To Reduce Your Caffeine Intake And How To Do So
Take The Window Seat
Your seat position will determine your ability to sleep better on a plane especially if you’re a light sleeper. Therefore, you have to choose your seat strategically. Some people prefer window seats where they can have something to lean against while others prefer seats away from the window to avoid sunrays from a neighbour’s window. Every seat has its pros and cons so you have to consider what you can tolerate.
Wear Comfortable Shoes And Clothes
Some may suggest that you take off your shoes but this can cause problems since some people may feel uncomfortable if you’re barefoot. Additionally, you may end up stinking up the whole cabin with your bare feet. If you wear comfortable shoes, you won’t have to worry about taking them off. Stick to sneakers, flats or sandals and ensure that they’re the right fit. Similarly, ensure that you wear comfortable clothes.
Tire Yourself Out
If you’re going on a long flight, try to tire yourself out the night before so you can catch some sleep on the plane. Keep yourself up or get a few hours of sleep. This way, you’ll feel sleepy on the plane and it will be easier to fall asleep. While on the plane, you can also engage in activities that will tire you out such as reading a book or listening to soothing sounds. However, you should avoid watching movies since screens are a huge sleep disruptor.
Go Beyond Airplane Mode
Speaking of screens, your devices can also be a major hindrance to your ability to sleep. You might be tempted to use your phone, laptop or tablet on the plane but if it’s not necessary, turn off the device and put it away. Keeping it on will only will prevent your mind from settling down and drifting off to la-la land. If you must use your devices, make sure you dim the screen brightness at the very least.
Check out
12 Travel Hacks You Should Know Before You Take Your Next International Flight
4 Travel Emergencies And How To Deal With Them
How To Deal With Travel Fatigue
Travel: Dealing With Motion Sickness
