As a family, we absolutely love to travel. One thing that inevitably happens though is at some point, someone has not been sleeping well and they become cranky. What are some tips for sleeping better while traveling?
Adjust Your Bedtime before you Leave
Tweak your sleep schedule before your flight so that when you land you will be more in sync with local time. For most flights to Europe from the East Coast, where the time is five to seven hours earlier, move your bedtime up an hour earlier each night for a few nights before your trip. For example, retire at 11 p.m. rather than midnight five days before departure, and the night before your flight try to get to bed around 7 p.m. That may sound way too early, but you will be grateful for it when you land. For flights to Western destinations, reverse the pattern by going to bed an hour later each night leading up to your departure date.
Eat and Drink Lightly on Board
While flying, it is important to eat and drink lightly. Instead of trying to eat specifically to get sleepy, just eat when you feel hungry. Avoid overeating, which will lead to lethargy and discomfort. And although it may be tempting to have several alcoholic beverages while on the flight, keep your limits in mind and remember that you want to arrive to your destination feeling the best you possibly can. This is also true with coffee. Avoid or limit your caffeine intake as much as possible.
Dress Correctly
When traveling and attempting to sleep on the plane, you need to be dressed correctly before departure. Arrive at the airport in the clothes you intend to sleep in on the plane. If the flight will be longer than two and a half hours, dress in sweatpants, short sleeves, and a sweatshirt. Layers are best for traveling because you will experience one temperature inside the airport, one outside, one on the plane and a different one when you arrive at your destination. When you dress in layers, you can add and remove clothings as necessary.
When traveling, quality sleep is one of, is not the most crucial aspects in determining how much you will get out of your trip. No one wants to be hiking all the way up a mountain and then lying wide awake at night. Therefore, follow these tips and get the most out of your travels!