Gina Johnson
Sleeping on a plane can be difficult, but it's important to get some rest if you're travelling long-haul. If you're landing during the day, try to sleep on the plane. If you're landing at night, it's best to stay awake and sleep when you arrive. To maximise your sleep, choose a direct flight and a departure time that's close to your normal bedtime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flight times | Choose a flight time that is closest to when you would normally fall asleep |
| Flight type | Direct flights are better for sleeping than multiple connecting flights |
| Arrival time | If you're landing during the day, try to sleep on the plane; if you're landing at night, try to stay awake on the plane and sleep at your destination |
| Length of stay | If you're staying somewhere for fewer than two days, try to keep to your own sleep schedule |
| Temperature | The temperature for optimal sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choose a flight time that fits your sleep schedule
If you're planning a long-haul flight that crosses multiple time zones, it's a good idea to choose a flight time that fits your sleep schedule. For example, if you're flying to Europe from the U.S. and have options for overnight flights departing at 7 p.m. or 11 p.m., pick the time closest to when you would normally fall asleep. This will help you get some shut-eye on your journey and avoid exhaustion and jet lag when you arrive at your destination.
To maximise your sleep, choose a direct flight if possible. Two four-hour flights might allow you to sleep for a few hours total, but one eight-hour flight will let you settle in and get cosy for several hours, and you won't have to worry about making any connecting flights.
If you're staying somewhere for fewer than two days, try to keep to your own schedule. By the time your body adapts, it'll be time to go home. Request that any obligations or meetings happen during your peak waking hours.
If you're landing when people are awake in the middle of the day, try to sleep as much as you can on the plane. If you're landing at night, do your best to stay awake on the plane and sleep when you arrive.
Some People Need Less Sleep: Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pick a direct flight
If you're planning a long-haul flight, you might want to consider adjusting your sleep schedule a few days ahead of your flight to better accommodate your destination's time zone. However, you don't need to do this to get some sleep on your journey. When choosing a flight, consider the times that best fit your typical sleep schedule. For example, if you're flying to Europe from the U.S. and have options for overnight flights departing at 7 p.m. or 11 p.m., pick the time closest to when you would normally fall asleep.
To maximise your time spent sleeping on the plane, choose a direct flight if you can. Two four-hour flights might allow you to sleep for a few hours total, but one eight-hour flight will let you settle in and get cosy for several hours, feeling far more refreshed when you reach your destination. Plus, you won't have to stress over making any connecting flights when you go direct.
If you're landing when people are awake in the middle of the day, try to sleep as much as you can on the plane. If you're going to be landing at night, do your best to stay awake on the plane and sleep at your destination. If you're going to be staying somewhere for fewer than two days, try and keep to your own schedule. By the time your body adapts, it'll be time to come home. In these cases, request that any obligations or meetings happen during the equivalent of your peak waking hours at home whenever possible.
It's more than natural to get restless on a long flight, but keeping your legs crossed for an extended period of time can keep your blood from flowing properly and will be more uncomfortable in the long run. Science suggests that the temperature for optimal sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sleep Test: Referral Requirements and Recommendations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adjust your sleep schedule before the flight
If you're taking a long-haul flight that crosses multiple time zones, you might want to adjust your sleep schedule before your trip. This will help you accommodate your destination's time zone and avoid jet lag. However, you don't need to disrupt your daily routine too much. When booking your flight, consider the times that best fit your typical sleep schedule. For example, if you're flying to Europe from the US and have options for overnight flights departing at 7 p.m. or 11 p.m., choose the time closest to when you would normally fall asleep.
If you're landing when people are awake, try to sleep as much as you can on the plane. If you're landing at night, do your best to stay awake during the flight and sleep when you arrive. If you're only staying for a short time, it's best to keep to your usual schedule.
To maximise your sleep on the plane, choose a direct flight if possible. Two four-hour flights might allow you to sleep for a few hours, but one eight-hour flight will give you more time to settle in and get comfortable. Plus, you won't have to worry about making any connections.
Science suggests that the temperature for optimal sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Batman's Sleep: A Superhuman Ability or a Curse?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep on the plane if you're landing when people are awake
If you're landing when people are awake, it's a good idea to sleep as much as you can on the plane. This will help you feel more refreshed when you arrive at your destination and avoid exhaustion and jet lag.
To maximise your sleep, choose a direct flight if possible. Two four-hour flights might allow you a few hours of sleep, but one eight-hour flight will give you the chance to settle in and get comfortable for several hours. It's also a good idea to choose a flight that departs at a time close to when you would normally fall asleep. For example, if you're flying to Europe from the US and have the option of an overnight flight departing at 7 pm or 11 pm, pick the time closest to your usual bedtime.
If you're staying at your destination for fewer than two days, try to keep to your own schedule. By the time your body adapts to the new time zone, it'll be time to go home. Request that any obligations or meetings happen during your peak waking hours, if possible.
Finally, working around the limitations of flying can increase your chances of getting some rest. For example, the temperature for optimal sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, so consider bringing a light blanket or jacket if you tend to get cold.
Why Do Mammals Need Sleep?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Stay awake on the plane if you're landing at night
If you're landing at night, it's best to stay awake on the plane and sleep when you reach your destination. This will help you to avoid jet lag and exhaustion.
If you're planning a long-haul flight that crosses multiple time zones, you might want to adjust your sleep schedule in the days leading up to your trip to better accommodate the time zone at your destination. However, this isn't always practical, and you can also simply choose a flight that fits your typical sleep schedule. For example, if you're flying to Europe from the U.S., opt for an overnight flight that departs at a time close to when you would normally fall asleep.
To maximise your sleep on the plane, choose a direct flight if possible. Two four-hour flights might allow you to sleep for a few hours in total, but one eight-hour flight will give you the opportunity to settle in and get comfortable for several hours. Plus, you won't have to worry about making any connecting flights.
If you're staying at your destination for fewer than two days, it's best to try and keep to your own schedule. By the time your body adapts to the new time zone, it will be time to go home. In this case, try to schedule any obligations or meetings during the equivalent of your peak waking hours at home.
Sleep Needs: Why Women Need More Shut-Eye Than Men
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Choose a direct flight, as you'll be able to settle in and get cosy for several hours. If you're flying long-haul, try to pick a flight that departs at a time close to when you would normally fall asleep.
If you're staying somewhere for fewer than two days, try to keep to your own schedule. By the time your body adapts, it'll be time to come home.
Working around the limitations of flying can increase your chances of getting some sleep. For example, science suggests that the temperature for optimal sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
