Hi Everyone,
I’m no stranger to sleeping on airplanes, but even after years of traveling on a regular basis, getting some much needed shut-eye at 30,000 feet can be easier said than done. I’ve rounded up my fair share of tips and tricks on everything from packing smarter to traveling with pets, but even so, finding the golden ticket to getting good sleep on a plane can be tricky. While everyone is different, and finding the right trick will take some trial and error, today I’ve rounded up a few tips that have helped me on my trips in the past, and I hope they’ll help you all, too. After all, if you want to get the most out of your vacation, beat jet lag, and avoid spending the first hours of your trip holed up in your hotel room, you’ll definitely want to master the art of sleeping on the plane.
Keep scrolling to read my top five tips to get quality sleep on a plane, and let me know how they work for you! They have proven to be life-savers for me when I travel, and I hope you all find these tips helpful, as well. Here we go…
1. Dress for the Occasion
I’ve mentioned before that one of my go-to hacks to getting sleep on a plane is packing a pair of comfortable pajamas to change into before I doze off. It’s a simple thing to pack in my carryon, and they truly change the quality of my sleep. So pack your favorite PJs or sweats, a comfy pair of socks, and kick back and relax.
2. Bring Backup
Getting really good sleep on a plane is a team effort—the team being your neck pillow, blanket, eye mask, and anything else that will make you comfortable. Basically, don’t expect to hop on a plane and find a comfortable sleeping position without a little help. Although it may seem like unnecessary bulk to carry through the airport, you will be unbelievably thankful that you packed those three essentials. By blacking out your surroundings, you’ll immediately be more comfortable, and airplanes are generally kept cold, so a blanket is always a good idea. Bonus Tip: If you don’t like the hum of the airplane and the sound of quiet chatter, make sure to pick up a good pair of earplugs to really zone out.
3. Don’t Let Your Seat Be a Surprise
If you’re booking with an airline that lets you choose your seat beforehand, opt for a window seat to get the best Zzz’s, rather than anxiously hoping one will be open when you board the plane. Leaning on the window is an age-old trick, but without the right pillow it can still be very uncomfortable (are you convinced of tip #2 yet?). Especially if you’re going on a long flight and you know you’ll need your sleep, it may be worth the extra money to upgrade your seat if need be—or at the very least snag whatever window seat is left open, even if it’s not in your favorite area of the plane.
4. Zone Out With the Right Sounds
Whether you’re the type that likes falling asleep to white noise, soft music, or even the sound of your favorite TV show, make sure you have those tracks (or shows) on hand for the plane ride. Not only will it make it easier for you to block out the noise of the hustle and bustle on the plane, but it will make you feel like you’re somewhere more familiar, which can help you relax into sleep.
5. Be Mindful of Your Meals
Lastly, don’t throw caution to the wind when it comes to your pre-flight or in-flight meals. Eating a huge meal before your flight or snacking on sugary candy and treats can leave you feeling sick and uncomfortable, since you’ll be sitting for a long period of time. Instead, eat a healthy, nutrient-dense meal before you take off that will keep you full, but not feeling heavy. Also, make sure to pack healthy snacks and cold water to keep on hand. With the right nutrition, your body will feel more naturally in-rhythm and be able to fall asleep much easier.
What other tips do you recommend to help you sleep on a plane?
I hope these tips were helpful, and get you that much closer to catching some quality sleep next time you travel. Keep your eye right here on the blog for more tips and tricks for smarter travel in the coming months, and make sure to give yourself some time to get away!
xx
GM