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10 Great Tips To Get Some Sleep On A Flight

By GearHungry Staff
Last Updated August 22, 2019
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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How To Get Some Sleep On A Flight

Unless you’re a super deep sleeper, attempting to get a good kip on a plane can feel near impossible. Babies are crying, people are shuffling around, the engines are loud… it’s like living in a nightmare!

While sleeping on a plane is a tough task for the majority of us travelers, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some great tips out there to cut out the noise and slip off into a slumber. You’ve hit the jackpot today, as we’ve got 10 great tips to get some sleep on a flight.

girl sleeping on a plane

1. Give Yourself The Chance To Get Comfy

Unless you’ve paid extortionate amounts for a high-class experience, the chances of having a comfy situation while on a plane are pretty slim. Although legroom may be at a minimum and your comfy mattress is miles away, there are a few little additions you can bring on the plane to make your experience more comfortable. We recommend purchasing a travel pillow for your flight, as they are easy to carry around and just as comfortable as your pillows at home. You can even get ones that fit around your neck for extra support.

2. Block Out Frustrating Noises

If you can doze off with some background music, then make the most of this. Some people aren’t as fortunate! A great pair of noise-canceling headphones will allow you to focus on the tunes you want to hear, rather than the ones you wish would shut up.

man sleeping on the flight

3. Make Things As Dark As Possible

The lights on the plane usually get dimmed overnight, but that doesn’t mean the flashing of buttons and other passenger’s devices will disappear. If you’re serious about getting some sleep, use an eye mask to block out the distractions. Using an eye mask will help to bring you to a relaxed state of mind, and hopefully, send you off to sleep quickly.

4. Look After Your Feet

Let’s be real here, no one wants swollen feet while on holiday. We completely understand if you’re not comfortable getting your feet out on a plane, but trust us when we say it could do you the world of good. While you’re up in the air, your feet are likely to lose circulation and get pretty uncomfortable. If you pop on a pair of compression socks, you’ll find yourself having a far more pleasant experience.

young man sleeping in a plane

5. Dress Like You’re Chilling At Home

Don’t forget – the airport is not a fashion show. Everyone you walk past is going to be too busy worrying about their travels to think about your outfit choice. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to slip on your comfy clothes for your travels. You’ll thank yourself for it later.

6. Recline Your Seat (But Be Cautious)

Your seat has a recliner for a reason, and when on a long-haul flight, there’s no harm in using it (respectfully). Only use the recliner if you’re in an uncomfortable situation, and check with the person behind you before adjusting the seat. You need to respect their comfort just as much as yours.

man resting on airplane

7. Get A Window Seat

If you’re not afraid of heights, try to get a window seat. Sitting by the window will prevent you from getting trampled on every time the passengers on your row need to get up. Of course, only get a window seat if you have a strong bladder, otherwise, you may start to aggravate those around you.

8. Stay Away From The Caffeine

There’s no point sipping on a caffeine-fuelled drink if you’re planning to sleep on your journey. While on a plane, you have absolutely no chance of running off all of the energy, meaning you’ll be sat jittering in a seat and getting very little sleep.

woman sleeping in airplane

9. Don’t Eat Too Much

It can be tempting to buy some food from the trolleys as they come down the aisle – but ask yourself if it’s really necessary. Snacking on foods will only raise your energy levels and prevent you from getting to sleep easily. Getting to sleep is hard enough on a plane; don’t make things even more difficult.

10. Resist The Urge To Look At A Screen

It’s pretty easy to get bored on a plane; there are limited things to keep you entertained. Although watching a film on the screens may seem like the most sensible option, it won’t help you to get off to sleep. Resist the urge to look at a screen up to an hour before you’re going to try to sleep – you need to give your brain the chance to rest and get into a peaceful state of mind.

woman sleeping with neck pilow

Enjoy Your Travels!

With this checklist in mind, you’ll be well on your way to having a peaceful sleep while in the air. After all, you deserve to have the energy to enjoy your travels!

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