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Trying to Sleep on a Plane? Here's Some Tips

Published Tuesday, August 26, 2008 by bloggerblognet83460 | E-mail this post

Sleeping on a plane comes easily for a few people - my husband being one of them. For the rest of us, trying to sleep on a plane is frustrating to the max. I could sleep more easily in a room full of hyperactive kindergartners than an economy-class plane seat.

If you have problems sleeping on a plane, here are some tips to help.

Get the right seat: try for a window set, in a row where seats recline (some seats don't.) Being in the window seat lets you lean against the wall when trying to rest. The downside of sitting in the window seat is that it's much harder to get to the aisle if you need to use the facilities. Life's a tradeoff.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol: this should be common sense. Caffeine makes us jittery, and alcohol makes us sleep less deeply. Be aware that studies show the effect of alcohol on a plane is double that of drinking on the ground.

Give yourself room: having enough legroom can make a big difference in your ability to get comfortable. When traveling on a long flight, I make a point of only carrying on one bag...and putting it in the overhead storage. I try to only put my laptop, a couple books, and my sleep accessories in the underseat storage.

Try to fall asleep early: it's usually easiest to enter a drowsy state during takeoff. I'm told that during takeoff the cabin has decreased oxygen levels and an increased G-force. The combination of these makes us drowsy. Whatever the reason, I do tend to nod off more easily prior to getting into the air.

Use sleep accessories: a pillow and blanket are crucial to managing your comfort. Earplugs (wax, not foam) and eye masks make a big difference as well.

Before you head out for your next flight, take a few minutes to prepare with some of these tips. You'll have a lot better chance of catching some z's, finally sleeping on a plane.

Beth B is a technology consultant who travels nearly every week. She shares these and other tips and experiences from the road well-traveled at http://www.IflyToWork.com

Blogger BlogNet27284

Trying to Sleep on a Plane? Here's Some Tips

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Blogger BlogNet27284: Trying to Sleep on a Plane? Here's Some Tips

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