Two seats you should always avoid on the flight if you want to sleep
JETSETTERS hoping to catch some sleep on their next flight should take note as the two seats to always avoid on a plane have been revealed.
A frequent flyer has unveiled their secrets to landing at their given destination feeling refreshed and it’s something you can do too – but you’ll have to come prepared.
With most airlines now offering passengers the chance to pick their seat when booking their ticket, holidaymakers have the opportunity to increase their comfort.
A writer at Thrillist has proposed that those unsure of where to sit should opt for the window.
Not only does this allow travellers the chance to lean against a wall but it also reduces the likelihood of being knocked awake by a passing food cart or flight attendant.
According to Frankie Caracciolo seat choice “matters a lot” especially when it comes to disturbing noise that could interrupt night time rest.
The first class sections of most planes have been set towards the front and this is because “the further back you get in a plane, the louder the ride gets”.
Those assuming that extra legroom may offer an added luxury to the experience may want to think again.
Frankie argues that despite the added space sounding “great”, often the seats have the disadvantage of not reclining.
Designed in the case of an emergency, those added safety benefits could cut your sleep time if you cannot get comfy.
Clued-in jetsetters may already know the best trick to discover where they want to be positioned on a flight.
With commercial aircrafts and airlines using different models of planes, the best option is to head to seat map websites for guidance before booking.
Looking at SeatGuru or SeatExpert could reduce the added stress of not knowing the whereabouts of your seat.
That’s not the only thing customers can do to offer themselves the best opportunity of a night’s kip.
Arriving in comfortable clothes, bringing a sleep mask and blanket, as well as choosing beverages on-board carefully have all been listed as factors to consider.
Dave Gibson's top five tips for getting a great night's sleep while travelling
1. If you are travelling across time zones adjust your body clock in advance.
Possibly the biggest single sleep disturbance for those travelling is jet lag. Jet lag occurs when we travel across time zones and try to adjust our body clock, or circadian rhythm, too quickly.
The best way to avoid this is to set your routine closer to the time at your destination a few days before you travel.
Move your bedtime either an hour earlier (or later) each evening and try to change your meal times too if possible.
2. Get the light right.
Light is the biggest single cue for sleep and can be used to help your adjustment when travelling and getting to sleep easier.
We are naturally programmed to feel tired when it gets darker and to be woken up by the morning light.
When travelling, get your lighting in sync with the new time zone as soon as possible. If you are arriving at night, stay awake while you travel, and keep your lighting bright so you feel tired when you arrive.
3. Drink water, especially when flying.
Drink water to keep hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol especially when flying long haul, as dehydration is a symptom of jet lag.
For those who plan to sleep within eight hours of getting off the plane, avoid all caffeinated drinks.
In addition, while the sedative effect of alcohol may help you to get to sleep more easily it fragments sleep and reduces sleep quality.
4. Eat healthily, but not too late, and take pro-biotics.
Our digestive system and our sleep are inextricably linked and are affected by what and when we eat or drink.
Eat a varied diet with foods containing nutrients such as tryptophan, magnesium and vitamin D and eating your last big meal about four (and at least two) hours before you go to sleep.
If you are travelling across different time zones, as you adjust your sleep and wake times, also change your meals to the new time zone if possible.
5. Choose your hotel carefully.
Where you sleep matters.
Choose a destination hotel that offers you the best chance of a good night’s sleep. Check they have a decent pillow menu, black out blinds or curtains and decaffeinated drinks in the room.
Check noise levels too and ask them to provide you with a room that is on a quiet floor and away from noise pollution like traffic.