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How to Get Comfortable and Snooze on Your Next Long Flight

Young caucasian smiling female enjoying her comfortable flight while sitting in airplane cabin

There’s a good possibility that you’re dreading the hours spent in awkward positions if you’re planning a long flight or road trip. On your next adventure, though, it is feasible to settle in and even doze off with the correct planning and advice.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Long Trip?

Congratulations if you’re going to set out on a lengthy journey. You’re going to have a fantastic experience. Yet, there are a few things you need to do to get ready before embarking on your big vacation. Here’s how to settle in and sleep on your upcoming lengthy flight or road trip:

  1. Choose the right seat: Try to select an aisle seat if you’re flying so you can stretch your legs and have quick access to the bathroom. If you’re driving, position yourself such that you have enough space for your legs and are comfortable.
  2. Bring a travel pillow and blanket: They will keep you cozy when traveling, especially if you’re attempting to sleep.
  3. Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine: It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially when ascending steep inclines. It can seem like a good idea to have that cup of coffee, but it will simply make it more difficult for you to go to sleep later.
  4. Move around frequently: Don’t just sit down for hours on end; get up and move around sometimes. By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain blood flow and prevent stiffness and pain.
  5. Relax and don’t stress out: It will be simpler to fall asleep if you are more at ease (and stay asleep). Now inhale deeply, close your eyes, and start your voyage. 

What You Should Bring on Your Next Flight or Road Trip?

Flying or taking a long car journey can be really uncomfortable if you’re like most people. You could have cramping and soreness while trying to sleep. There are, however, a few things you may do to improve your experience. For instance, think of bringing:

  • A neck pillow or travel pillow to help you sleep.
  • Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out noise.
  • A light blanket or shawl to keep you warm.
  • Loose, comfortable clothing to wear on the plane or in the car.
  • Sneakers or comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet.
  • Something to keep you occupied during the flight or drive, such as a good book, an interesting movie, or some work.

Tips on Comfort and Relaxation

We all understand how crucial it is to get a good night’s sleep, but occasionally it can be challenging to unwind and doze off when you aren’t in your own bed. There are certain things you can do to make yourself more comfortable and ensure that you’ll be able to sleep whether you’re traveling a lengthy flight or a road journey.

  1. Attempt to locate a seat with lots of space to spread out. A window seat often offers less space than an aisle seat on a plane. The backseat of a car is typically your best bet.
  2. Make sure you’re lying down as much as you can. This will aid in body relaxation and help you avoid any discomfort from spending too much time in one position.
  3. Put your feet up if you can. Your lower back and legs will relieve some of the strain as a result. They can be raised by using armrests, a small pillow, or a blanket.
  4. At least an hour before going to bed, try to limit your screen usage. This includes telephones, laptops, televisions, etc. Screens’ blue light can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
  5. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing if you begin to feel sleepy. Breathe slowly and deeply while attempting to quiet your racing thoughts.

Mindful Exercises to Help You Fall Asleep

On a long flight or drive, mindfulness activities are a terrific approach to help you fall asleep. Here are a few to test out:

  • Listen to calming music or an audiobook: Focus on the words and let your mind wander.
  • Do some deep breathing exercises: Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat for 10 minutes.
  • Stretch your body: Gently move your head, neck, and limbs around. Focus on how each part of your body feels as you stretch it.
  • Visualize a peaceful scene: Picture yourself in a beautiful meadow or by a calm lake. Let your mind wander and take in all the details of the scene.

What to Do When You Wake Up During a Flight or Road Trip?

If you’re not used to it, waking up on a long flight or road journey might be confusing and even a little frightening. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to significantly lessen the tension of the encounter.

Take a big breath and attempt to get yourself oriented first. In order to determine whether it is safe to stand up and stretch your legs while flying, check the seat belt indication. If you’re in a car, look out the window to get a sense of how far you’ve come.

When you’ve finished, attempt to unwind and relish the remaining portions of your flight or vacation. There is no harm in asking the individual sitting next to you for support if you are still a little apprehensive.

If you’re taking a long flight or road trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable so you can get some sleep. Here are a few tips:

  • Wear comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement.
  • Bring a neck pillow and blanket to help you stay warm and comfortable.
  • Choose a window seat so you can lean against the wall and rest your head.
  • If you’re flying, try to book a night flight so you can sleep during the journey.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine before your trip to stay hydrated and relaxed.

Long flights and drives can be some of the most uncomfortable hours you’ll ever spend. Any lengthy trip requires advance planning so that when fatigue sets in, you won’t have to worry about how uncomfortable it will be without one. Thus, remember to include anything that will help you feel more comfortable, like earplugs or an eye mask, as well as some food and anything to keep you busy while you’re traveling.