How to sleep on a plane

Your trip has been booked, and you are excited to explore a new destination, but getting to the otherside of the world can seem like a long and boring task. That is why it is a good idea to spend your travel time getting some sleep on the plane. Read on and get tips for sleeping on a plane, advice on how to fly with babies, and more flight tips.

If you want to sleep on your flight, you can often benefit from planning in advance as it easier to sleep on a plane if you have prepped beforehand. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Put on soft and loose clothes – preferably layered, so you can easily vary your clothes according to the temperature on the flight. Brush your teeth before boarding the plane, and make sure to equalise the pressure in your ears when taking off and landing so that you don't get an earache. 

It can also be a good idea to bring an eye mask and earplugs so that you can shut out the light and noise. Support stockings are also another good idea, as they reduce any swelling in your legs, therefore making your flight a bit more comfortable.

Sleep is important, and a flight seat obviously doesn't create the best environment to get a good night's sleep. Luckily there are several ways you can make your seat more sleep-friendly. One of the best ways to do this is to use a good neck pillow.

With a neck pillow you can ensure that your head gets necessary support while sleeping, regardless of whether you get the window seat or not. Finally, make sure to also say yes to any pillows and blankets that are offered on the plane. The softer you are sitting, the better.

When you're sleeping on a flight, it's a good idea to carefully consider what you eat and drink before and during your flight. What you consume has a big impact on your sleep, therefore try to avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol to enable a better sleep. Save chocolate, the good cup of coffee and the wine until you reach your destination and instead eat healthy snacks and drink water. That way you're creating the best conditions to get some sleep on the flight.

If you're on a long haul flight, then you will need even more sleep to avoid jetlag and the time difference. You will most likely have a restless night's sleep, with periods where you're awake and periods where you're asleep. When you're awake, it's a good idea to walk around on the plane a little as this is good for the blood circulation, and you will feel less restless after walking up and down the aisle for a bit.

What most parents fear the most when taking their babies and children on a flight is that the children are going to cry the whole way. Luckily there are several ways you can avoid this. Many toddlers experience the pressure in their ears to be quite intense. Therefore you should always make sure to have something with you for your child to ease the pressure. It can be a dummy or something to drink or eat. Babies and toddlers are allowed their own bottles on a plane, even if they are larger than 100ml.

When you are flying with your baby, you are probably hoping for an undisturbed sleep. A good way to do this is to make the situations on the plane as recognisable as possible. Bring your baby's duvet, teddy and nightwear, so that your baby is more familiar when it is time to go to sleep.

If your baby is used to being carried in a wrap or a baby carrier, then consider bringing this onto the plane. If your baby cannot relax in their seat, then they may feel relaxed or mum or dad's stomach while you are taking a stroll up and down the aisles.

Finally, remember to keep calm, even if your baby is restless. You being calm will make your baby calmer, too. Have a good flight!