Travelling by plane can sometimes be very difficult, particularly when it comes to sleeping soundly. That restful night’s sleep that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home can be difficult to attain, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your cabin-sleeping experience.
Preparation for a good night’s sleep on a plane should begin long before you enter the aircraft. The more organised and prepared you are, the better your chances of drifting off for that all-too-important rest. With a few simple steps, you can be sure that you are maximising your chances of sleeping well on a plane.
By following these top tips you can help ensure that your trip will be as restful as possible. So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or simply an occasional traveller, here are some tips to help you sleep better during your journey.
Choose the Right Seat
One of the best ways to ensure a good night’s sleep on a plane is to choose the right seat. Investing the time to do research into the type of seat you’ll be getting is worth it, as it will make your journey far smoother.
If you want to stay comfortable for the duration of the flight, look for an aisle seat in an exit row. Exit row seats offer more leg room which can make lying down or stretching out much easier. However, if you don’t mind a bit of a squeeze, selecting the window seat can help minimise distractions and, subsequently, help you sleep better.
Pack Essential Items
Making sure that you have the essentials with you for your flight will help ensure you have the most restful sleep. First, bring a comfortable pillow and blanket so that you can have a cosy sleep in the cabin. You may also want to invest in noise-cancelling headphones that can help reduce engine noise and other distractions.
Be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks on board as well to ensure you can snack and hydrate throughout the flight. Pack a few items like chamomile tea to help relax and bring soothing scents to your cabin.
If you are a light sleeper, eye masks and earplugs can also be very useful. These should help to maximise the time that you spend in a deep sleep, uninterrupted by any distractions.
Optimise Your Environment
Creating the best environment for a good night’s sleep can be a difficult task when flying, but it is not impossible. To make sure you enjoy your flight in peace, try to optimise the cabin temperature and minimise any external sounds. If needed, you can always bring your own noise-cancelling devices, such as headphones or earplugs.
It is also a good idea to try and minimise your exposure to artificial lights. While switching off the main cabin lights is not always feasible, you can bring your own eye mask to block out the light and ensure a better sleep.
What to Bring for Your Flight
- Comfortable pillow and blanket
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Aromatherapy products
- Low fat snacks and drinks
- Eye mask and earplugs
Conclusion
Sleeping on a plane is never going to be as comfortable as sleeping in your own bed, but following the tips above should help to make it slightly more bearable. Remember, a good night’s sleep on a plane starts with preparation and should be continued with sensible pre-flight decisions. With a bit of thought and effort, you should be able to enjoy some good quality sleep during your next long-haul flight.