Want to improve your sleep while traveling? Sleeping on a plane can be made more comfortable with a few strategic tips.
Editor’s Note: Our tips for sleeping on planes have been updated as of March 8, 2023. This topic is important for travelers who want to get a good night’s sleep while on a plane.
Weve done the research and put together this guide to help you get the best sleep possible on your next flight.
Here are a few key takeaways:
Tip | Benefit |
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Wear comfortable clothing | Helps you relax and fall asleep |
Bring a neck pillow | Provides support and prevents neck pain |
Use earplugs and a sleep mask | Blocks out noise and light |
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed | Can interfere with sleep |
Get up and move around every few hours | Prevents blood clots and stiffness |
Transition to main article topics:
- How to choose the best seat for sleeping
- What to pack for a comfortable flight
- Tips for sleeping on a long-haul flight
- How to deal with jet lag
Tips for Sleeping on Planes
Sleeping on a plane can be a challenge, but it’s possible to get a good night’s sleep if you follow these tips.
- Choose the right seat. A window seat gives you something to lean against, while an aisle seat gives you more room to stretch out.
- Dress comfortably. Loose, comfortable clothing will help you relax and fall asleep.
- Bring a neck pillow. A neck pillow will help to support your head and neck, preventing pain and stiffness.
- Use earplugs and a sleep mask. Earplugs will block out noise, while a sleep mask will block out light.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.
- Get up and move around every few hours. This will help to prevent blood clots and stiffness.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to avoid dehydration.
- Create a relaxing environment. Listen to calming music, read a book, or meditate to help you relax and fall asleep.
- Be patient. It may take some time to fall asleep on a plane. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t fall asleep right away.
- Talk to your doctor. If you have trouble sleeping on planes, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend medication or other strategies to help you sleep.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep on your next flight.
Choose the right seat. A window seat gives you something to lean against, while an aisle seat gives you more room to stretch out.
Choosing the right seat on a plane can make a big difference in your comfort level, especially if you’re hoping to get some sleep. A window seat gives you something to lean against, which can be helpful for supporting your head and neck. It also provides a bit of privacy, which can be nice if you’re trying to sleep. However, if you’re tall or need to get up and move around frequently, an aisle seat may be a better option. Aisle seats give you more room to stretch out and get up and down without disturbing your seatmates.
- Comfort: Window seats provide more support for your head and neck, which can be helpful for falling asleep. Aisle seats give you more room to stretch out, which can be helpful for preventing stiffness and blood clots.
- Privacy: Window seats offer more privacy, which can be helpful if you’re trying to sleep. Aisle seats are more exposed, so you may be more likely to be disturbed by other passengers.
- Convenience: Aisle seats are more convenient if you need to get up and down frequently. Window seats can be more difficult to get out of, especially if your seatmates are sleeping.
Ultimately, the best seat for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a seat that will give you the best chance of getting some sleep, a window seat is a good option. If you’re tall or need to get up and move around frequently, an aisle seat may be a better choice.
Dress comfortably. Loose, comfortable clothing will help you relax and fall asleep.
When traveling by plane, it’s important to dress comfortably in order to get a good night’s sleep. Loose, comfortable clothing will help you relax and fall asleep more easily. Tight or restrictive clothing can make it difficult to get comfortable, which can lead to tossing and turning all night long.
In addition, wearing comfortable clothing can help to prevent blood clots. When you’re sitting in a cramped airplane seat for hours on end, your circulation can be restricted. This can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can be dangerous. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can help to keep your circulation flowing and reduce your risk of developing blood clots.
So, next time you’re flying, be sure to dress comfortably. It will help you get a good night’s sleep and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Benefit of dressing comfortably on a plane | Example |
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Helps you relax and fall asleep | Loose, comfortable clothing allows you to move around more easily and find a comfortable sleeping position. |
Prevents blood clots | Loose, comfortable clothing helps to keep your circulation flowing and reduces your risk of developing blood clots. |
Bring a neck pillow. A neck pillow will help to support your head and neck, preventing pain and stiffness.
If you’re planning on sleeping on a plane, a neck pillow is an essential item. A neck pillow will help to support your head and neck, preventing pain and stiffness. This is especially important if you’re flying on a long-haul flight.
There are many different types of neck pillows on the market, so it’s important to choose one that’s comfortable for you. You may want to try out a few different pillows before you find one that you like.
Once you have a neck pillow, be sure to use it every time you sleep on a plane. It will make a big difference in your comfort level and help you to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Benefit of using a neck pillow on a plane | Example |
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Provides support for your head and neck | A neck pillow will help to keep your head and neck in a comfortable position, preventing pain and stiffness. |
Prevents pain and stiffness | By supporting your head and neck, a neck pillow can help to prevent pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and back. |
Makes it easier to fall asleep | A comfortable neck pillow can help you to relax and fall asleep more easily. |
Use earplugs and a sleep mask. Earplugs will block out noise, while a sleep mask will block out light.
Two essential items for sleeping on a plane are earplugs and a sleep mask. Earplugs will block out noise, while a sleep mask will block out light. These two items can make a big difference in your ability to get a good night’s sleep on a plane.
Noise is one of the biggest challenges to sleeping on a plane. The engines, the air conditioning, and the other passengers can all make it difficult to fall asleep. Earplugs can help to block out this noise and create a more peaceful environment for sleeping.
Light is another challenge to sleeping on a plane. Even if you’re able to block out the noise, the bright lights in the cabin can make it difficult to fall asleep. A sleep mask can help to block out this light and create a darker environment that is more conducive to sleep.
If you’re planning on sleeping on a plane, be sure to pack earplugs and a sleep mask. These two items can make a big difference in your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Benefit of using earplugs and a sleep mask on a plane | Example |
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Blocks out noise | Earplugs can help to block out the noise of the engines, the air conditioning, and the other passengers, creating a more peaceful environment for sleeping. |
Blocks out light | A sleep mask can help to block out the bright lights in the cabin, creating a darker environment that is more conducive to sleep. |
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. However, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep when you’re traveling, especially on a plane. One of the worst things you can do for your sleep is to consume caffeine or alcohol before bed.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake and alert. It can take several hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off, so it’s important to avoid caffeine in the hours leading up to bedtime. Alcohol is another substance that can interfere with sleep. Alcohol can make you feel sleepy at first, but it can actually disrupt your sleep later in the night. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can lead to further sleep problems.
If you’re having trouble sleeping on a plane, it’s important to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Instead, try to create a relaxing environment by listening to calming music, reading a book, or meditating. You may also want to try using a sleep mask and earplugs to block out light and noise.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep on your next flight.
Benefit of avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed | Example |
---|---|
Helps you fall asleep more easily | Caffeine and alcohol can keep you awake and alert, making it difficult to fall asleep. |
Improves the quality of your sleep | Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep later in the night, leading to poor quality sleep. |
Reduces the risk of dehydration | Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to further sleep problems. |
Get up and move around every few hours. This will help to prevent blood clots and stiffness.
When you’re sitting in a cramped airplane seat for hours on end, your circulation can be restricted. This can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can be dangerous. Getting up and moving around every few hours can help to keep your circulation flowing and reduce your risk of developing blood clots.
In addition, getting up and moving around can help to prevent stiffness in your muscles and joints. When you’re sitting still for long periods of time, your muscles and joints can become stiff and painful. Getting up and moving around can help to keep your muscles and joints loose and flexible.
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Facet 1: Improved Circulation
Getting up and moving around helps to keep your circulation flowing, which can reduce your risk of developing blood clots. Blood clots can be dangerous, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them, especially when you’re traveling by plane.
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Facet 2: Reduced Stiffness
Getting up and moving around can help to prevent stiffness in your muscles and joints. When you’re sitting still for long periods of time, your muscles and joints can become stiff and painful. Getting up and moving around can help to keep your muscles and joints loose and flexible.
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Facet 3: Improved Sleep Quality
Getting up and moving around can help to improve your sleep quality. When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to be able to fall asleep easily and stay asleep throughout the night. Getting up and moving around can help to improve your circulation and reduce stiffness, both of which can contribute to better sleep.
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Facet 4: Reduced Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Getting up and moving around can help to reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. DVT can be life-threatening if the blood clot travels to the lungs. Getting up and moving around can help to keep your circulation flowing and reduce your risk of developing DVT.
If you’re planning on sleeping on a plane, be sure to get up and move around every few hours. It will help to keep your circulation flowing, reduce your risk of developing blood clots, and improve your sleep quality.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to avoid dehydration.
Dehydration is a common problem for travelers, especially those who fly frequently. The dry air in airplanes can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Dehydration can also make it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Drinking plenty of water before and during your flight can help to prevent dehydration and its associated symptoms. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these beverages can further dehydrate you.
If you’re traveling on a long-haul flight, it’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle and fill it up after you go through security. You can also ask the flight attendants for water throughout your flight.
Staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy when you’re traveling. By drinking plenty of water, you can help to prevent dehydration and its associated symptoms, and you can also improve your sleep quality.
Benefit of staying hydrated on a plane | Example |
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Prevents dehydration | Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent dehydration and its associated symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. |
Improves sleep quality | Dehydration can make it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Drinking plenty of water can help to improve your sleep quality. |
Create a relaxing environment. Listen to calming music, read a book, or meditate to help you relax and fall asleep.
Creating a relaxing environment is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep on a plane. There are a few things you can do to create a more relaxing environment, such as listening to calming music, reading a book, or meditating.
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Facet 1: Listen to calming music
Listening to calming music can help to relax your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep. There are many different types of calming music available, so you can find something that you enjoy and that helps you to relax.
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Facet 2: Read a book
Reading a book can be a great way to relax and unwind before bed. Choose a book that you find interesting and that will help you to take your mind off of your worries.
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Facet 3: Meditate
Meditation can be a great way to relax your mind and body, and to clear your head. There are many different types of meditation, so you can find one that works for you.
By following these tips, you can create a more relaxing environment on your next flight and make it easier to get a good night’s sleep.
Be patient. It may take some time to fall asleep on a plane. Don't get discouraged if you don't fall asleep right away.
Falling asleep on a plane can be a challenge, but it’s important to be patient and not get discouraged if you don’t fall asleep right away. There are a few things you can do to make it easier to fall asleep on a plane, such as creating a relaxing environment, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting up and moving around every few hours.
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Facet 1: The importance of patience
It’s important to be patient when trying to fall asleep on a plane. It may take some time to find a comfortable position and to relax enough to fall asleep. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t fall asleep right away. Just keep trying and eventually you will fall asleep.
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Facet 2: Tips for creating a relaxing environment
There are a few things you can do to create a more relaxing environment on a plane. You can listen to calming music, read a book, or meditate. You can also wear a sleep mask and earplugs to block out light and noise.
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Facet 3: The importance of avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so it’s important to avoid them before you try to sleep on a plane. Caffeine can keep you awake and alert, while alcohol can make you feel sleepy at first, but it can disrupt your sleep later on.
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Facet 4: The importance of getting up and moving around
Getting up and moving around every few hours can help to prevent blood clots and stiffness. It can also help to improve your circulation and make it easier to fall asleep.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep on your next flight.
Talk to your doctor. If you have trouble sleeping on planes, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend medication or other strategies to help you sleep.
If you have trouble sleeping on planes, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend medication or other strategies to help you sleep. This is especially important if you have a history of sleep problems or if you have trouble sleeping in general.
There are a number of different medications that can be used to help people sleep on planes. These medications can help to relax your muscles, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep. Your doctor can help you choose the right medication for you.
In addition to medication, there are a number of other things you can do to help you sleep on planes. These include:
- Creating a relaxing environment. This can include things like listening to calming music, reading a book, or meditating.
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.
- Getting up and moving around every few hours. This can help to prevent blood clots and stiffness.
- Wearing comfortable clothing. Loose, comfortable clothing can help you to relax and fall asleep.
- Using a neck pillow and eye mask. A neck pillow can help to support your head and neck, while an eye mask can help to block out light.
If you’re having trouble sleeping on planes, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you find the best solution for you.
Benefit of talking to your doctor about trouble sleeping on planes | Example |
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Can recommend medication to help you sleep | Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication that can help you relax and fall asleep on planes. |
Can recommend other strategies to help you sleep | Your doctor may be able to recommend other strategies to help you sleep on planes, such as creating a relaxing environment, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting up and moving around every few hours. |
Can help you find the best solution for you | Your doctor can help you find the best solution for your individual needs and preferences. |
FAQs about Tips for Sleeping on Planes
Getting a good night’s sleep on a plane can be a challenge. But by following a few simple tips, you can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep during your flight.
Question 1: What is the best way to choose a seat for sleeping on a plane?
Answer: When choosing a seat for sleeping on a plane, there are a few things to consider. First, if you want to be able to lean against something, a window seat is a good option. If you need to get up and down frequently, an aisle seat may be better. And if you’re tall, you may want to choose a seat with extra legroom.
Question 2: What should I wear to sleep on a plane?
Answer: When it comes to choosing what to wear to sleep on a plane, comfort is key. Loose, comfortable clothing will help you to relax and fall asleep more easily.
Question 3: What are some things I can do to create a more relaxing environment on a plane?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to create a more relaxing environment on a plane. You can listen to calming music, read a book, or meditate. You can also wear a sleep mask and earplugs to block out light and noise.
Question 4: What should I avoid eating and drinking before bed on a plane?
Answer: There are a few things you should avoid eating and drinking before bed on a plane. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so it’s best to avoid them in the hours leading up to your flight.
Question 5: How often should I get up and move around on a plane?
Answer: It’s important to get up and move around on a plane every few hours. This will help to prevent blood clots and stiffness.
Question 6: What should I do if I can’t fall asleep on a plane?
Answer: If you can’t fall asleep on a plane, there are a few things you can do. You can try reading, listening to music, or meditating. You can also get up and move around or talk to a flight attendant.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought:
Getting a good night’s sleep on a plane is important for your overall health and well-being. By following these tips, you can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep during your next flight.
Transition to the next article section:
Now that you know how to get a good night’s sleep on a plane, you can start planning your next trip. Be sure to pack a few of your favorite comfort items, and don’t forget to follow these tips to make your flight as restful as possible.
Tips for Sleeping on Planes
Getting a good night’s sleep on a plane can be difficult, but it is possible with the right strategies. Here are a few tips to help you sleep better on your next flight:
Tip 1: Choose the right seat. If you want to be able to lean against something, a window seat is a good option. If you need to get up and down frequently, an aisle seat may be better.
Tip 2: Dress comfortably. Loose, comfortable clothing will help you to relax and fall asleep more easily.
Tip 3: Bring a neck pillow and eye mask. A neck pillow will help to support your head and neck, while an eye mask will block out light.
Tip 4: Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so it’s best to avoid them in the hours leading up to your flight.
Tip 5: Get up and move around every few hours. This will help to prevent blood clots and stiffness.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
By following these tips, you can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep on your next flight. Getting a good night’s sleep on a plane is important for your overall health and well-being.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Now that you know how to get a good night’s sleep on a plane, you can start planning your next trip. Be sure to pack a few of your favorite comfort items, and don’t forget to follow these tips to make your flight as restful as possible.
Conclusion
Getting a good night’s sleep on a plane is important for your overall health and well-being. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep on your next flight.
Remember to choose the right seat, dress comfortably, bring a neck pillow and eye mask, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and get up and move around every few hours. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep on your next flight.