You need to sleep on an airplane properly
An observer from the publication «Lenta.ru» has prepared detailed instructions for those who unsuccessfully try to fall asleep during a flight.
Book a window seat
Always choose a window seat. Here you can be sure that passengers rushing to the restroom won't wake you, and flight attendants with trays and squeaky carts will find it harder to reach you. And don't sit near the toilets. First, there are often queues there, and second, the seat backs often don't recline.
Recreate home comfort
If at home you are used to sleeping on your right side, book a window seat on the right side of the aisle; if on your left, then on the left. This way your body will find it easier to adapt to new conditions. By the way, this life hack is constantly used not only by experienced travelers but also by passengers of suburban trains who manage to fall asleep within a minute after entering the car.
Skip the drinks
Yes, no matter how tempting a free glass of wine or a cup of coffee may be, you should refuse them. First, tannins and caffeine affect sleep quality, and second, they provoke thirst. The same goes for too heavy food and spicy snacks, which can cause bloating. Instead of all this, it's better to drink a glass of water.
Ask for an exit row seat
Always try to check in for your flight in advance online. That way you can choose exactly the seat you want. However, if that's not possible, ask for an exit row seat at the airport check-in. There is much more legroom there. True, they mostly seat men there.
Skip electronics
Don't sit opposite the TVs that are installed in aircraft cabins – with them you will fall asleep much longer. The same goes for games and browsing websites on your phone or tablet. The best option would be to put on calming music and close your eyes.
Don't forget your pajamas
Pajamas or any other home clothes on a domestic flight are probably not the best idea, however, on transatlantic flights, comfortable change of clothes will not be superfluous. Yes, and don't be shy – believe me, you won't be the only one in pajamas.
Take melatonin
Melatonin is the main hormone of the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythms. The same-name tablets are recommended to be taken, for example, during long flights when several time zones are crossed. If you don't have any medication on hand, you can limit yourself to bananas, cherries, or oatmeal – they also contain melatonin. But chocolate or raspberries are not recommended; on the contrary, they cause alertness.
Prepare for time zone changes
If you are flying far and for a long time, it makes sense to prepare for time zone changes in advance. This will help avoid jet lag. Experts recommend shifting your schedule a few hours toward the new time (the one you will have to live in during the trip) a few days before the trip. Go to sleep and wake up a little earlier if you are traveling east, or vice versa – go to bed a little later if you are flying west.
Stow all carry-on luggage in the overhead bins
Even if you have several bags as carry-on luggage, try to stow them in the overhead luggage compartment. Otherwise, you will have to put them under the seat, and that will inevitably interfere with your legs during sleep.
Prepare a travel sleep kit
Wearing a neck pillow at the airport, as many vacationers do, is a sign of bad taste. However, if you are flying in economy class, where blankets and pillows are not always provided, an inflatable pillow will come in handy. In addition, you should take a sleep mask and earplugs, and for long flights also comfortable socks, a small blanket, or a large scarf. Noise-canceling headphones, capable of muffling the cries of crying babies or tipsy fellow passengers, will not be superfluous.
Leave your seatbelt visible
Don't hide your seatbelt under your clothes. Seeing that you are buckled up, the flight attendant is unlikely to wake you. However, if she doesn't notice the belt, she will have no choice but to tear you from the arms of Morpheus: such are her job instructions.