How to Sleep on a Plane

Whether it’s for a business meeting or a holiday, it can be exciting taking a flight – but tiring at the same time. So if you need help on how to sleep on a plane, we’ve gathered some of our best tips…

How to sleep on a plane #1 | Get a window seat

A window seat is favourable as it means you’re less likely to be disturbed by others, be it other passengers wanting to squeeze past you to use the toilet or cabin crew leaning over you to hand out refreshments.

The window seat also gives you an extra part to be able to rest your head against to help you get comfortable.

How to sleep on a plane #2 | Wear a full zip hoodie

While your clothing options may be more limited if you’re travelling straight to an important meeting, a full zip hoodie won’t just give you added comfort.

If you start getting hot, it’s far easier to unzip and take off than an overhead jumper. Additionally, putting the hood up – that could also be more comfortable if leaning against the window frame – can indicate to others that you’re trying to sleep and not to disturb you.

How to sleep on a plane #3 | Use a travel pillow, backwards

Travel pillows that you can wear around your neck are increasingly common, and are great hands-free pillows for travelling. But are you wearing them the right way round?

Wearing them backwards – so that the gap is behind your neck – not only gives you extra space against the seat and avoids your neck being pushed forwards, but also supports your chin to stop your head from dropping – and a subsequent sore neck – when you do doze off.

How to sleep on a plane #4 | Get an eye mask

While you might be given an eye mask as part of your flight, it’s not particularly expensive to buy a better quality one that will really black out your eyes to stop any light creeping in from round the sides.

Even if you’re flying at night, you’ll be far from total darkness between mealtimes and other passengers putting on their own lights or watching bright screens. So an eye mask can certainly eliminate this and make you feel like you’re sleeping through the night.

How to sleep on a plane #5 | Wear noise-cancelling headphones

Many people will listen to relaxing music or a podcast to help them drift off to sleep. But noise-cancelling headphones have the added benefit of reducing surrounding noises long after your podcast has ended.

Much like using earplugs, they will help you zone out from other distracting sounds that might keep you awake, even if you don’t want to keep listening to your playlist.

How to sleep on a plane #6 | Use your seat

You (or your company) have paid for your seat, so make the most of it! Fold out the ‘wings’ on your headrest to give you more space to lean on, and take advantage of reclining your seat to give you the extra space – and feel a little less upright.

How to sleep on a plane #7 | Leave your seat-belt fastened and visible

The last thing you want is to finally doze off, only to be woken by cabin crew when the seatbelt sign comes back on. Turbulence may happen intermittently, so keeping your belt fastened and visible means that, should the sign light up, the crew won’t need to wake you to check you’re wearing it.

How to sleep on a plane #8 | Move up a class

Obviously, cost is the deciding factor here. But if you are able to, upgrade to premium or business class to get even more space. Being able to fully lie down is ideal, but even the extra leg and arm room within a premium seat can make a huge difference to your comfort and ability to catch some zzz’s.

How to sleep on a plane (bonus) | Be sleep deprived

From waking in the middle of the night for an early hours flight to travelling late after a busy day, to any reason in between, being sleep deprived already just might help you drift off. It’s far easier to fall asleep if you’re already tired and ready for a nap than if you’re raring to go. So perhaps lay off the coffee and just look forward to getting some shut eye.