Sleep Like A Baby, Even At 35,000 Feet
The holidays are right around the corner and many of you have already booked your tickets to fly to distant lands to visit relatives or friends this holiday season. These days, airlines have really cut back on the services they offer and lots of their in-flight comforts have gone the way of Pan Am. Remember the complimentary blanket and pillow? You’re lucky if they‘re not charging you for it along with your luggage and the fiesta mix (we miss the honey roasted peanuts). But through all of the stress and lack of leg room, there is one thing you can do on a plane to get through it – SLEEP!
Here are some tips to getting a great night’s (or day’s) sleep on a plane!
Get the Best Seat in the House
If you plan on getting some sleep, snag a window seat. You’ll be able to lean comfortably on one side without worrying about waking up embarrassed, head on your neighbor’s shoulder, a pool of drool slowly gathering. If avoiding shame and embarrassment aren’t incentive enough, you’ll also avoid seat mates scrambling over you on their way to the restroom for the third time. Of course, the best way to avoid all these scenarios would be to make it a practice to scan the plane for no-shows and try to score a row all to yourself.
To Drink or Not to Drink?
That is the question. There is a long-standing tradition for many of having a couple pops before getting on the plane or enjoying a Bloody Mary at 35,000 feet to take the edge off. Although this will help many of you fall asleep, your actual sleep will be less restful. Alcohol inhibits the body from reaching the deeper and more restorative levels of sleep your body craves. Alcohol-induced sleep is like a candy bar - it seems filling, but it’s all empty calories. Now when it comes to caffeine, avoid it at all costs. During the holidays, your busy schedule may mean having to catch a an early morning flight, so you grab a cup of Joe (or two) during you’re a.m.-airport rush. But, the best thing to do is to try and make it to the plane caffeine free; this’ll make it a lot easier for you to sleep on the plane.
Publicly Announce Your Intent to Sleep
No large proclamation need be made, just a casual “Boy, am I tired – sure can’t wait to get some sleep on this flight” will do (a long, drawn out yawn can’t hurt either).
A word to your flight attendant will also keep you from being disturbed – just remember to keep your fastened seatbelt visible during your slumber. Safety first!
Sleep Medications
Be careful about sleep medications. Many times you’ll only want to doze off for an hour or two on a plane, but an over-the-counter sleep aid may be locked and loaded to put you in dreamland for up to eight hours. Plus, it’s always best to avoid sleep aids unless they’re prescribed by a doctor.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to reach your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Happy travels!
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