There are quite a few benefits to hopping on the red-eye. Mainly, it maximizes your time at home and abroad. You can still get in a full day’s work on one side of the ocean and arrive with the whole day before you on the other.
The trouble is, how do you get a decent night’s sleep sitting upright in a tight chair with someone elbowing you or disturbing your sleep for a bathroom break? Here are a few tips and tricks to see you through the worst of it.
Start Adjusting to Your New Time Zone
See if you can start adjusting to your new time zone a week ahead of your flight. This may be difficult if you’re traveling somewhere that’s five or six hours ahead.
But, even the smallest adjustments may help. If you play your cards right, what would be a red-eye may just end up feeling like an early morning flight.
Consider Taking Lavender Softgels
There are a number of healthy brands on the market that have formulated lavender essential oil softgels to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. The thing is, it takes a week or two for your body to adjust to them and reap their benefits.
Speak to your doctor to see if you can add lavender essential oil into your daily routine. If so, start taking them at night when you’re getting ready for bed. You may find that you have better sleep with fewer disruptions.
Skip the Alcohol
We know by now that overindulging in alcohol may help us fall asleep early. It’s also gracious enough to provide us with disrupted sleep and a groggy feeling upon awakening.
A groggy feeling is the very opposite of what you want when you wake up on a crowded plane. Aside from this, flying is already dehydrating. Adding alcohol to the mix won’t do a thing to make you feel ready to take on the world.
Skip the In-Flight Meal
If you can manage it, skip the in-flight meal. Try to eat at the airport, if you have enough time, or wait until you land. Once we eat, our body needs a little time to digest. Like the glass or two of wine, this will only prevent us from getting any sort of meaningful sleep.
Choose Your Seat Wisely
If you’re on a red-eye, it’s likely a longer flight. How will you handle the bathroom situation? Will you sit by the window and risk having to wake a sleeping passenger? Or will you sit in an aisle seat and be the one who has to get up and down for your fellow passengers?
Sitting in an aisle seat has its advantages because you can get up and down as you please. However, you also run the risk of an errant elbow bump from passersby. Also, you might not want to sit near the bathrooms because all the traffic might prevent you from falling – and staying – asleep.
Invest In a Quality Sleep Mask
There are countless sleep masks on the market today. What you want to look for is one with sleep cups – a sort of raised enclosure around your eyes. First, it won’t irritate you, having the feeling that something is pressed right up against your face.
Second, it tends to block the light better. Like cooling pillows, you can even find cooling eye masks to help you bring on the relaxation. A good example of that is the Manta Cool Sleep Mask.
Pack a Light Blanket
Every space counts when it comes to your carry-on. But, the small creature comfort of a light throw blanket from home may help you fall asleep easier. Tuck yourself under one when you feel like everyone’s settling down and see what you can do to lull yourself to sleep.
Speaking of which, are you curious to know if you can pack for an entire week in a carry-on? Here are all the best tips and tricks to help you achieve that goal.
Purchase Noise-Canceling Headphones
We all love our Apple Airpods. But, the original generation isn’t exactly noise-canceling. Beats Studio Buds tend to provide a superior experience.
Put on your favorite audiobook or podcast when you’re ready to relax. With your sleep mask and light blanket, you just may score a few solid hours of sleep.
Invest In a Quality Neck Pillow
Like everything else in life, the neck pillow market has evolved pretty rapidly. There are brands like trtl and BCOZZY that sell innovative pillows that support your neck in an upright position, preventing you from waking up with an awful crick. If you have the time, you may try a few different brands out to see which one works for your sleep style.
Dress Comfortably
Even if you’re landing in Paris and want to look tres chic, maybe don’t wear those super tight skinny jeans that are going to pinch you at the waist. See if you can find a stylish pair of Palazzo or linen pants, depending on the season.
You’ll also want to give yourself the ability to layer, perhaps with a tank top underneath a long-sleeved shirt. Pack a sweater in your carry-on. This will give you the opportunity to get your body temperature to the optimal level when you’re trying to fall asleep.
Pack Refreshing Toiletries
When you wake up and see you only have an hour or so to go, pull out a pre-packed bag of refreshing toiletries. Anything with mint or citrus might feel good. The simple act of using a face wipe, spritzing some toner, and reapplying some lip balm can do wonders.
Pack a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up when you make your bathroom run. These small, simple, everyday acts will help you wake up before the final refreshment service comes around and you can reward yourself with a cup of coffee.
Pack Energizing Snacks
After you’ve washed your face and brushed your teeth, you might want to indulge in an energy bar, some trail mix, or other energy-boosting snacks. You’ll be glad you have the liberty to just reach down and enjoy a small snack without having to wait for the flight crew to come through.
You Got This!
Red-eyes come with a host of benefits, especially if you have the ability to start planning a week or two in advance. With these tips in your back pocket, we hope you have a smooth and easy flight.
Wherever you’re headed next, it’s likely we have a destination guide to help you make the most of each and every day. Here’s hoping you sleep comfortably and disembark, ready to take on the world.