Ensure a relaxing flight: techniques for sleeping comfortably on board

On air travel, whether domestic or international, a great option to pass the time is to sleep during the flight. However, there are people who have a lot of trouble doing this and end up staying awake the whole trip looking for something to do. See below how to sleep well on air travel.

Important tips for you to rest on air travel

Research reports that there are several justifications for having difficulty sleeping on planes while traveling. Among them, the fact of being in a strange place stands out, in addition to the noises and the discomfort of the seat itself.

Another significant factor is the dimensions of the spaces that have changed within the aircraft. Before, the distance between the seats was 35 inches, now they vary from 30 and 33 inches. The average width of a seat has also decreased from 18.5 inches to 17.

After all, how do you improve your chances of falling asleep on planes?

As directed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Professor of Human Factors and Systems Albert Boquet, strategies like taking melatonin before departure, wearing comfortable clothes, taking headphones and reducing exposure to electronic devices are great options.

Boquet says the economy class seats in the back are usually quieter due to less foot traffic, so opt for those. Also, invest in window seats, as they can offer better rest by avoiding contact with people passing by the aisle.

Check out more tips for sleeping well on planes below:

• Take your own pillow;
• Wear an eye mask to sleep;
• Invest in noise canceling headphones;
• Try to arrive at the airport in advance to avoid stress during the trip;
• For longer flights, always have melatonin in your bag;
• Follow your bedtime routine as closely as possible once you're on the plane;
• If you need to make connections on your trip, allow enough time between them so you can stretch your legs and get some rest.