Best Tips for Sleeping on Airplanes

Photo by Andrew Palmer on Unsplash

Airplane travel is challenging for a few reasons but one of the hardest parts is sleeping. A lot of people can’t fall asleep on flights, which is especially difficult if you’re taking a red eye or long, international flight. Sometimes, not being able to fall asleep on your flight will make the difference between having a fun trip and being jet-lagged and cranky your entire holiday. So to help you avoid that pitfall, here are some tips for sleeping on airplanes.

Bring Supplies

If you’re not already bringing a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs on airplanes with you, you’re definitely missing out. Sure, it may seem like a waste of space to pack something you’ll only use while traveling and not when you get to your destination, but it will be worth it when you get some REM cycles as a result.

Regulate Your Temperature

Flights have notoriously weird temperatures and if you’re too cold, it’ll be much harder to fall asleep. Bringing warm socks, a blanket, and a cozy sweater will make it much easier for you to bear that frigid airplane air.

Try a Sleep Aid

If nothing else works, you can always have a glass of wine or take a sleep aid on the airplane that will knock you out. Just make sure you’re doing it safely!