3 tips for sleeping well on the plane

13:10 - 01 September 2016

Sleeping on a flight

If you're taking a long flight, getting some shuteye might be a matter of necessity, even though a cramped place is not the most ideal sleeping place.

Whether you fall asleep or not on a plane can determine the course of the first few days of your trip.

Sleeping for a few hours, especially on a long flight, can be essential to combating jet lag.

1. Choose the window seat:

The best place to catch a few winks is at the window seat. This seat helps you avoid the embarrassment of falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.

You can simply lean on your pillow against the window and nap undisturbed as your row mates don't need to wake you when they need to make a trip to the restroom.

2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol:

Caffeine will leave you wide eyed and unable to sleep. Contrary to what you might have heard, alcohol does not necessarily help you sleep.

3. Be comfortable:

Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Cover your eyes with an eye mask to block light, make use of a pillow and blanket and then settle in for your nap. Some airlines provide neck pillows and small flannel blankets.