Any tips/tricks to successfully sleep on a flight?

[QuestForKnowledge]

I have the worst time trying to sleep on a plane. I have a few upcoming red-eye flights and really want to sleep through the bulk of them so I can start my day feeling somewhat rested (and I'm way too cheap to buy anything but economy tickets). Those of you that can fall asleep anywhere, don't rub it in! But for others like me that have trouble sleeping in cramped seats, sitting up, etc. I would love to know if you have any tricks that have worked for you.

[tmarkbrodeer]

I have the worst time trying to sleep on a plane. I have a few upcoming red-eye flights and really want to sleep through the bulk of them so I can start my day feeling somewhat rested (and I'm way too cheap to buy anything but economy tickets). Those of you that can fall asleep anywhere, don't rub it in! But for others like me that have trouble sleeping in cramped seats, sitting up, etc. I would love to know if you have any tricks that have worked for you.

Gravol is your friend

[DiceMan]

I think you either can or you can't. Luckily I can sleep even through takeoffs and landings.

Perhaps 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks before you sleep?

[gei]

I use to be the same way.. but I think I've mastered it now.

For starters, if you have a middle or isle seat, make sure to invest in one of those U shaped pillows that go around your neck. But preferably get a window seat so you can lean against it.

What really made a HUGE difference for me was earplugs - kinda isolates you from everything. You can get them for a few bucks at any drug store. Also an eye mask helps if it's a day flight and they're keeping the windows open and lights on. But most important are the earplugs.

A glass of wine with your meal will also help put you to sleep.

[kzod]

I found using my father's extra aeroplan points to fly business class to/from Europe really helped with the lie flat pods. Of course when I go back next year with the kids it'll be economy, so I better listen to this thread.

Honestly, I'd say the best choice is to avoid the red-eye flights and fly during the day. The extra travel will hopefully wipe you out and then you'll quickly be on their time schedule, reducing any jet lag effects. It may cost an extra night at the hotel, but that's peanuts compared to trying to get an upgrade on the plane.

[Pete_Coach]

Used to have the same problem, especially on overnighters to Europe.
Relax, wear loose clothing and, take off your shoes.
For sure, one of those neck bracing pillows.
Some noise cancelling headphones with the music turned down low helped a lot.
No alcohol, while it is a depressant, it keeps you awake unless you overindulge LOL.
Reading always helps put me to sleep, maybe that works for you?
No caffeinated drinks 12 hours before your flight (coffees, teas, coke etc).

[triniflip]

Gravol is your friend

+1

[rob444]

What really made a HUGE difference for me was earplugs - kinda isolates you from everything. You can get them for a few bucks at any drug store. Also an eye mask helps if it's a day flight and they're keeping the windows open and lights on. But most important are the earplugs..

+1

This is the biggest thing for me when flying. Its the constant hum of the engine and background and random noises that keep me awake. Earplugs make a HUGE difference.

But actually the #1 recommendation is to get bumped to business class, with the seats that fully recline into beds. After taking several of these long haul flights on these seats and getting an awesome sleep here... its hard to go back to economy

[QuestForKnowledge]

So really, Gravol makes you sleepy? In the past, I've tried various medicines that supposedly make you drowsy (i.e. night time cough syrup), but to no avail. I wouldn't want to take anything that dehydrates you too. I was thinking maybe a sleeping pill, but I doubt my doctor would prescribe me one just so I can get some shut-eye on a flight.

I avoid the alcohol or coffee on flights, as I've always thought those amplify the effects of jet-lag due to the dehydrating properties.

So the inflatable neck pillow is a must. Regarding the sound, anyone who has tried both earplugs and noise cancelling headphones? Obviously, the ear plugs are far cheaper, but wondering if it's worth investing in the noise cancelling headphones, if they are that much better.

[cwb27]

If it's a long flight (8+ hours) try taking a Melatonin.

[allenace]

Whenever I took Gravol, I always woke up groggy although it does help you sleep. My doctor gave me a prescription for Zopiclone. I can get about 5 hours of sleep with one of these pills and wake up without feeling groggy. With any of these sleep aids though, there always goes a warning that this isn't for everyone. I would talk to your doctor as there are risks of thrombosis in certain people.

[rob444]

Regarding the sound, anyone who has tried both earplugs and noise cancelling headphones? Obviously, the ear plugs are far cheaper, but wondering if it's worth investing in the noise cancelling headphones, if they are that much better.

I've tried both, and IMO the earplugs worked better. Plus they are way cheaper... a couple of bucks compared to a couple hundred for a good pair of headphones. Start with the earplugs and if they dont work, THEN look to invest in a good pair of headphones.

If you do decide to go headphones, read the reviews as im sure everyone has a different preference on what brand/model is best for planes. Sorry can't provide any feedback here as the one time i tried them i just borrowed a friends and cant remember the brand name.

[psyko514]

So the inflatable neck pillow is a must. Regarding the sound, anyone who has tried both earplugs and noise cancelling headphones? Obviously, the ear plugs are far cheaper, but wondering if it's worth investing in the noise cancelling headphones, if they are that much better.

Lots of good advice in this thread. I find being tired to begin with also helps. If I sleep 7-8 hours then head to the airport, there's no way I'll be able to do anything more than take a series of naps. But if I've only slept 4-5 hours, I'm more likely to get a few hours of shut eye on the plane.

I've never used noise cancelling headphones but I always travel with a few pairs of foam ear plugs. They have a noise reduction rating of ~30 dB which I find to be more than sufficient unless you have a screaming baby right next to you.

[happyme1717]

same here! Earplugs really helps and I take a tablet of benadryl. I know it's for allergies, but it has something on it that makes me sleepy. But before taking any pills or medication make sure it's ok for you to take it. We recently found out that my husband is allergic with benadryl. Never thought that one can be allergic in a medication made for allergies :S

[Jonavin]

A quality In Ear Monitor is what helped me. Any kind of functional noise cancelling headphones would do, passive or active. I could never sleep on a plane before that. It takes away all those annoying vibration sounds.

That, and get a Window seat so nobody has to bother you to go to the washroom, and you can always place your jacket against it for a pillow.