There is something about air travel that wipes out all of my energy. I try my hardest to remain well rested during the week leading up to my trip, and to rest on the flight, but I undoubtedly arrive at my destination tired. I have been trying to figure out a way to get a good night’s sleep on the plane, so that I can arrive rested and ready to go, but it isn’t always easy.
On a recent trip to Vegas, I knew I had to get a good amount of sleep on the plane because I was sure to not sleep very much while I was in Sin City. Between the hilarious Las Vegas comedy clubs, incredible live concerts, awesome gambling, exciting nightlife, and first-class dining, I knew there would be little time for sleep. I did some research, attempted some experiments, then came up with a few tips and tricks that should help you get a good night’s sleep on your own flight!
One of the most important elements of getting a good night’s sleep on your flight is requesting a window seat. The window seat gives you the opportunity to lean against the window, instead of your neighbor, and fall asleep without hurting your neck. In addition to the ease and comfort of having a stable place to rest your head against, you will also be bothered less by staff and other passengers. If you sit in the middle or aisle seat, you will most likely be woken up fairly often as your fellow passengers get up to go use the restroom or stretch their legs. Being in the window seat can help you avoid all that, but if it’s not possible, then what next?
Be sure to bring along a sleeping mask, warm socks and noise-canceling headphones. You may look goofy, but you’ll be the best rested passenger on the plane, and everyone else will certainly be envious! Your headphones will dampen out engine noise, crying babies, laughing passengers, and the inevitable and obnoxious coughs, sneezes and other sounds that could keep you from catching some deep sleep. Your warm socks will help keep you comfortable and the eye mask can black out the reading lights and other sights that you’d be tempted to open your eyes to observe, when you should be resting peacefully.
You don’t have much control over things when you’re on an airplane, but if you follow these simple tips (and hopefully get that window seat!), you should be able to provide an effectively tranquil environment that sustains deep, restful sleep, allowing you to arrive at your destination brimming with energy, and ready to meet the day. But if you still arrive tired, no matter where you are, ask your concierge for directions to the best spa in town and line up some rejuvenating treatments to replenish your energy and get you started off on the right foot!
