10 Tips That Will Help You Sleep Comfortably The Next Time You Fly!
Some lucky folks can sleep standing up, simply doze off easily upon take off or just buy a business class ticket to sleep on comfortable extendable seats. But for most people, quality in-flight sleep is a struggle. And that can lead to exhaustion and several nights of playing catch-up when you arrive at your final destination.
But what about the maddening sound of wind and jet engine noise that you experience when you fly, especially on a long overnight flight? It might not cause you to commit mayhem, but it affects you in ways you might not imagine, causing stress, fatigue and loss of sleep.
We at AirWhizz have come up with a list of travel hacks that can help you doze off in a jiffy the next time you fly.
1.CHOOSE YOUR SEAT WISELY
Your seat location could be one of the most important factors in how well or how poorly you sleep on a plane.
Try to get a window seat if possible. It will give you something to lean against and get you out of the way of other folks in your row, who won’t have to make their way over you each time they need to use the bathroom. You’ll also have some control over the window shade.
2.CARRY THE RIGHT GEAR
Investing in the right sleeping gear can go a long way when it comes to sleeping on flights.
Here is a list of items that can keep you comfortable while sleeping on a flight –
- Travel pillow
- Earplugs
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Sleep Mask
Other than the gear mentioned above carry a magazine or book to relax your mind before you doze off. If you are not into reading, carry a playlist of soft and soothing music on your phone to cancel out the noise coming from the engine and people chatting on the plane with your noise cancelling headphones.
3.PACK LIGHT
If you have two full-size carry-ons, one might end up under your feet, limiting your legroom and making it harder to sleep. Instead, pack lighter so you can fit everything into a single bag.
Keep a few small necessities near the top of the bag — a book or magazine, a snack, a bottle of water. Before you stow your bag in the overhead compartment, pull out the important items that you’ll need during the flight and put them in the back of the seat in front of you.
4.WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
While you may be a big fan of dressing up to look decent when flying, wearing loose clothing in the air will help you sleep better.
Comfortable pyjama’s might not be the best choice to wear in public, wearing sweatpants or sportswear will keep you comfortable. Carry a shawl and wear thick socks to make you feel warm and cosy to get comfortable sleep on board.
5.POWER DOWN
Passengers today have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to in-flight entertainment. It may seem like a good idea to pass your time by watching movies on your screen but it’s a bad idea if you want to catch up on some sleep while flying.
The light produced by seatback TV screens, mobile phones, tablets, or laptops has an adverse effect on your sleep because according to medical facts, light rays coming from screens melatonin release, making your body feel tired but you mind active, giving the feeling of insomnia.
6.SKIP THE CAFFEINE
Especially on a daytime flight, where even the view out the window can be a distraction, you’ll find it much harder to sleep if you have caffeine flowing through your veins. Avoid the temptation to have a cup of coffee or a soda before boarding and stick to water or juice when the drink cart comes around.
7.RECLINE YOUR SEAT – BUT BE COURTEOUS
On a night flight, expecting someone not to sleep is like asking them to put down their window shade during a flight over the Himalayas. Ideally, everyone has the same idea and seats will tip backwards soon into your flight.
Reclining your chair will help ease some of the pressure on your lower (lumbar) spine. With less pressure on your back, it’ll be easier to fall asleep.
However, you should always look behind you to make sure the passenger behind doesn’t have a coffee cup or is resting his /her head on the tray before pushing the button to put your seat back.
8.AVOID ALCOHOL
If you are on a vacation, the thought might be tempting but booze won’t help you sleep soundly.
Alcohol will initially promote sleep, but it’s usually only in effect for three to four hours, and then you can’t get back to sleep. On top of that, you might wake with a headache and feel thirsty.
9.DONT EAT TOO MUCH
Try not to eat a meal within two hours of trying to sleep.
Also, watch what you eat because overeating or having fatty foods might feel uncomfortable and make it harder to catch some sleep. Eating large quantities of fatty foods can also lead to changes that cause blood to clot more easily, something you want to avoid if you’re on a long flight.
10.SET AN ALARM
The worst part of sleeping is waking up. It’s even worse on a plane when you’re waking up to fluorescent lights, luggage carousels and sunshine so bright you can practically hear it.
If it’s a long flight, consider setting a watch or cell phone alarm for 45 minutes before you land. That gives you time to go to the restroom, gather your gear, tie your shoes, watch the approach to your destination. Ask the flight attendant to pour you a cup of coffee and walk off the plane fully awake.
The next time you fly and are looking for travel accessories, headphones, sleeping gear or just a nice book to read before you doze off on your flight, download the AirWhizz app. Avail exclusive discounts on Swiss Military accessories as an app user and get information about airport shops and their location on the move.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your travel gear and Fly Stress-Free!
In 2003-2004 India’s first low-cost airline Air Deccan (who later launched “one-rupee” fares to increase aircraft loads) was introduced, opening a world of possibilities and opportunities to travellers in India. Other low-cost carriers soon entered the market.
