How to Sleep Like a Baby on Long Flights

There are two types of travelers, those who nod off moments after “wheels up” and those who spend countless hours worrying about the mysteries of sleeping on long airline flights. I’ve been both and I know the benefits of starting a trip after a nourishing nap on a long flight. Dreamless, not drugged or otherwise made unnaturally unconscious.

This assumes that yours is not the ergonomic/temperature controlled/gourmet nourished/ pink-noise lullaby-ed pod in First Class. If you are, you’re on your own. Go to sleep. For the rest of my sisters, here are nine of my favorite, tried and true tips on how to snooze your way to your destination, arriving refreshed and ready to explore.

Window Seat

Choose your seat in advance. I recommend the window seat. So simple but you can lean on something other than your seatmate, undisturbed by middle and aisle companions for the duration. You also control the amount of light sneaking in the shade on the window and that passenger who wants to see the sunrise over Finland mid-flight can’t wake you. Bulkhead or exit row if you want the extra legroom.

Comfy Clothes

Comfortable clothes. Like pajamas. I wear yoga pants and layer my tops. The cabin temperature drops to arctic levels after the meal is served. To manage a sleep-worthy snuggle, I pack a long pashmina, (my favs are a cashmere and a viscose blend), that I can use for warmth or as a neck support for sleep. More on this in a minute. No bare feet. It’s gross and unsanitary. If you must slip off your shoes, wear comfy socks or pressure socks if you’re concerned about swelling and circulation.

Masks and Plugs

No Screens, Buckle in Plain Sight

And while you’re at it…TURN OFF THE SCREEN! Any screen, secure your tray table, pretend you’re going to bed.

Have your seat buckle visible. If you don’t, a flight attendant who is doing what they are required to do will wake you and check. Buckle up and show it.

To Abstain or Not?

To drug, drink, or not? Here it gets personal. If you’ve had good results at home with Tylenol PM, great, use it. A glass of wine or a cocktail to relax? Great, try it. Melatonin pre-flight? Fine if you’re a fan. Have a prescription for Ambien or another sleep aid recommended by your doc. Okay, but DO NOT mix and match. No ”ambien-tinis” unless you’d like pics posted to FB when rubber-limbed you rode the luggage cart to baggage claim. Not your best look.

Decline the Meal

Okay, here’s one you might not agree with. Decline meal service. I know. You’ve paid for it, but have you ever had a delicious meal on a plane? The likely answer is no, unless your sitting in one of the lullaby-pods. It’s either veggie lasagna or chicken-rice something. Its tepid, dry, formerly dehydrated self will challenge even the healthiest digestion. Eat before you board. Or after you arrive at your destination. The whole serving, eating, waiting for clearing, coffee and tea fills and refills take up valuable dreamtime.

Purple Haze

Contacts Out, Hoodie On

Oversized hoodie…I have one, I use it. I wrap my earlier mentioned soft pashmina multiple times around my neck for support, put on my mask and earplugs, pull up my hoodie and it’s lights out. REMOVE CONTACTS if you wear them. They feel like glass slivers after a long flight.

NO Caffeine

And, need I mention…NO CAFFEINE! None, zero, zilch! No chocolate. No Diet Coke. No coffee or tea.

Sleep tight my comfy, relaxed, ready for bedtime friend…..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. We’ll wake you up thirty minutes prior to landing.