Planes are great for getting us to where we need to go. Whether it’s a vacation, visiting family or a unique work opportunity, catching a plane is something to get excited about. Staring mindlessly at the seat in front of you for 10 hours, however, is quite the opposite. Instead, most people opt to sleep for as much of the flight as they can. Aeroplanes are not Macoda mattresses though, and they weren’t designed for quality sleep. So what can you do to sleep better on a flight? We've got some neat tips to help you get some shut-eye on that red-eye.
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
While you might not want to fork out a small fortune for First Class, when possible it might pay to invest in some better seating. Window seats are the go to; you have something to lean on if you prefer that, and, AND, you have total control over the lighting in your immediate area. Where possible, it’s recommended that you recline your seat as much as you can, comfort and neighbour relations permitting.
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DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
Leave your tight jeans and designer boots at home. Get serious about your sleep and bring out your favourite oversized shirt and track pants. A good way to shield yourself from light (and a neighbour set on small talk) is a hat you can pull down over your face, a beanie or the classic eye-mask. A good pair of socks is also essential here. Whatever you go with, just make sure it’s loose and it’s comfortable.
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MANIPULATE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
When you’re sharing a flight with hordes of strangers, this one might seem impossible, but there are a few things you should do to help drift off peacefully. Light, to no one’s surprise, will not help you sleep. Try avoiding or minimising light prior to bedtime, including light from phone, tablet or TV screens. If you have to, use the lowest brightness possible.
Ever slept through the noises made by an infant suffering from Airplane ear? Probably not, right? There’s a score of noises on a busy flight that will ruin your chances of sleeping, so it is imperative that you have other options. Noise cancelling headphones or earbuds are winners, but if worse comes to worse, airplane headphones plugged into a soothing station or playlist will make a world of difference.
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PUT DOWN THE BOOZE
There’s nothing like a nightcap to help win sleep over to your side, right? Wrong.
It might seem like the perfect solution, but be warned – it doesn’t work the way you think it might. Sure, it might help you fall asleep, but your sleep will be shorter and low-quality. All in all, the results will be far more negative than positive. You’ll also get dehydrated and wake up with dry mouth (Maybe a headache too).
Instead, choose water. Stay hydrated and keep that body in check. Obviously getting up to use the toilet every half hour is not ideal, so don’t overdo it.
Good luck and sweet dreams!