Top 5 Tricks for Sleeping on Planes
Let’s be real, unless you’re in first class, where I hear they have actual beds (?!?!…someday…) the possibility of a truly restful, full REM cycle sleep is slim to none. However, even a cat nap or two for a couple hours not only kills some time on an 8+ hour flight, but goes a long way to offsetting jetlag on arrival. So, here are 5 tips for sleeping (a least a little) on planes.
- Buy a Trtl pillow. The u-shaped ones never seem to fit the neck right, or feel particularly secure. Plus, they’re pretty bulky and scream tourist if they’re hooked on to your luggage on your way to the hotel. I ordered Trtl pillows for myself and my husband recently and they are ideal. They wrap snugly around your neck and support it’s natural curve. I like to put a dab or two of lavender oil on them as an extra relaxation technique. Plus, they’re warm like a scarf and pack nearly flat!
- Download a meditation app. I prefer Insight Timer. You can set some nice ambient noise or meditation music, pop in the headphones and drown out the various noises of planes and passengers. The thing I like most about Insight Timer is that I can set a timer for 6 or 7 hours and the music plays softly that whole time, no waking up to reset or choose a new playlist.
- Drink water. It’s super tempting to drink alcohol to calm your nerves, or coffee to stay awake. Resist! Drink water, or if you want some flavor, bring some herbal tea and ask for hot water. Staying hydrated will help you rest and wake up a least somewhat refreshed. At the last service of the flight, wake yourself up with a coffee.
- Brush your teeth. Using plane bathrooms is never fun, but if you do it early in the flight they’re less likely to be gross. Plus, this nighttime ritual will help your brain shift to sleep mode.
- Wear a scarf. Pashminas or wide scarves are not only a fashion statement, but they can double as a blanket on the flight. Even if the airline provides a blanket, I find I always want one around my shoulders as well as my legs. The scarf lets me get all cozy without having to steal my husband’s blanket!
