Flying can be very stressful regardless of time of the day you take off. However, when it comes to overnight flight, there are some extra frustrations that should be taken into consideration. It’s difficult to survive overnight flight when noisy neighbors keep you awake all night long, not to mention those cramped seats and annoying dimming lights. No worries, you can enjoy your overnight flight even when your neighbor is a constantly crying baby. Here are some tricks to survive overnight flight that will definitely help you out.
1. Set of earplugs and an eyeshade can save your night
You never know when you will be seated close to a night owl who wants to stay up reading or even a crying infant, so it’s important to take along a set of earplugs and an eyeshade. Even if you won’t use them, they don’t take up a lot of space in your bag. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
2. Pack a travel pillow
If you can’t afford to fly first class, your seat’s headrest might not be as comfortable as you expect. Avoid those neck and back pains by packing a comfortable travel pillow. There are a great variety of travel pillows out there so finding the right one won’t be a challenge for you. Travel pillows can easily be rearranged and twisted to help support your neck and your back as needed.
More: 9 Tips for Getting Better Sleep on a Plane
3. Eat a healthy meal before you board
During my first overnight flight, I remember sitting awake all night long, because I was hungry and I hadn’t packed any snacks. I thought I’d spend it sleeping, not eating. No matter what the length of your flight is, bringing healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables sticks, crackers, granola bars, and a bottle of water on board is especially important for surviving overnight flight. When eating beforehand, be sure to avoid greasy and fatty meals. Otherwise, they will leave you feeling uncomfortable and bloated.
4. Don’t drink alcohol
Remember drinking alcohol won’t help you sleep better, it’ll just leave you feeling a little tipsy and disoriented when it’s time to wake up. Stick with water instead. Drinking water will help you stay hydrated, reduce stress and feel great. Lemon water is a wonderful choice as well.
5. Focus on comfort
While it’s hard to rest and feel comfortable when you are thirsty or hungry, it’s extremely difficult to feel comfortable when your clothing is restricting and tight. Sure, you won’t be able to wear your pajamas, but a cozy pair of sweatpants, your favorite socks, a T-shirt and cardigan will be perfect for overnight flights. Focus on comfort, not on a trendy look.
6. Get up to stretch
Whether you are walking up and down the aisle or visiting the lavatory, getting up to stretch will help you avoid sore muscles and restlessness, and prevent blood clots. Take an opportunity each time you wake up to get out of your seat for a while. This can help make it easier to rest again.
More: 7 Great Ways to Exercise on a Plane Journey
7. Listen to music
Every time I can’t fall asleep during the overnight flights, I listen to some soothing music that helps block out excess noise and puts my mind at ease. But be sure to avoid looking at the bright lights from your smartphone or iPad, because it will keep you awake for hours.
Overnight flights are wonderful when you follow a few simple rules. Unless you have some sleep disorders, you can enjoy your overnight flight and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Are you scared of overnight flights? What are your ways to survive overnight flight?
