Travel & Sleep

Sleeping on the plane is a THING! Either you sleep like a baby from takeoff to landing… or you are up the whole flight watching everyone else curl up.

So many of us are coming on or off planes these days - hopefully to somewhere warm. I was just speaking to someone who told me she sleeps AMAZINGLY on planes (I was shocked) and she let me into her secrets! Here they are:

#1- keep in mind it will take a few flights to get into the groove of your sleep routine. Expect some trial and error. But it will become a sleep routine and you’ll find your way.

#2 - Wear comfortable clothing that works for getting comfortable in small spaces. Think hoodie.

#3-  Try to get a window seat… this is a whole nother topic, see below, but that wall really helps to get cozy in the small space.

#4 - This is before the plane ride - prepare a bag for everything you will need to have an easy flight. Sleep mask, Toothbrush, mouthwash, wipes, hand sanitizer. Earplugs. Neck pillow, blanket. This is your PLANE BAG and it does not ever get unpacked! It only gets updated for the next flight.

#5: If you need it, pack melatonin or sleep meds. Yes, it’s ok to use (minimal) sleep medication while traveling… our bodies are not made to hop around time zones.

#6 - See how it goes and take notes for the next flight!

Some other points of consideration: 

A: What time are you taking off and landing? If it’s a red eye, we can all agree that you want to be sleeping as much as possible. But for daytime flights - or daytime in your destination, you may be better off with a short nap and saving your sleep for when you get there. Map out your general schedule.

B: Flight mealtimes are notoriously random. Not really on your original time zone, nor perfectly aligned to the time zone of your destination. Ask your flight attendant in advance when the service is scheduled for so that you can anticipate the interruption or plan your nap around it.

C: Seats, seats… Our ideal seat (and seatmate) is not always in our control or price point. Either way, take stock of the situation and see what you can work out with your companions in terms of waking each other up - maybe save it for the service time or when you expect to wake up anyway. But be nice even if you lose some sleep 🙂

Have a great week and happy flying!

Esti Terris, Integrative Sleep Coach