If you purchase travel insurance frequently to protect your travel investment for business or leisure, you know the value of a good night’s rest, as sleeping on planes is often not as easy as it looks. However, with the rush of travel, it’s understandable that sometimes shut-eye is put on the backburner. All of us can likely attest to slow security lines, grumpy check-ins and a whole new meaning to the phrase “red-eye flight” due to a lack of sleep.
Sleeping on planes isn’t exactly an simple task for some. You’re cramped. The circulated air can be somewhat stifling. Fussy toddlers and babies are making their frustrations loud and clear. And then there’s that whole turbulence thing.
Believe it or not, there are ways to drift off into dreamland at a cruising altitude. We’ve compiled a list of the best ways you can get your beauty rest while traveling:
Choose your Seat Wisely: Sometimes an upgrade is worth it, especially if you are heading overseas and want to avoid jet lag. You’ll appreciate the extra leg room, and those blankets and pillows always seem to be a little bit cozier when you’re in business class. However, those in coach can also opt for picking their seats online in more comfortable spots, such as the emergency exit rows where you can stretch out a bit more.
Keep Your Seatbelt Visible: The last thing you want when you are finally dozing off is for your attendant to poke you on the shoulder and ask you to buckle up.
If the Gadget Works, Use It: Noise cancelling headphones, numerous types of travel pillows, specially made playlists on Spotify – whatever you need to block everything out and “find your happy place,” bring it along.
Don’t Invite Conversation: Let the person seated next to you know that your main goal for this flight is rest. You can avoid small talk by getting a book or magazine out immediately, plugging in headphones or, as The Telegraph suggests, “muttering to yourself in an obscure foreign language.”
Be Smart about Sleep Aids: When nothing else will work, there are medicinal options for catching much-needed ZZZs. Just be sure you’re consulting a doctor first, only use them for longer flights when you won’t be interrupted (at least six hours) and never mix these with alcohol. According to the Independent Traveler, melatonin and dramamine can both help you avoid motion sickness and get some rest, but it’s important to consult a physician before taking these.