How to Get Sleep on the Red-Eye
- 1). Don't wait until you get on board to get ready for bed. Wear comfortable clothes for flying. Avoid jeans and belts. In the airport, brush your teeth and wash your face. Keep your cosmetics kit in your carry-on so you can conduct your usual nighttime routine. This is about more than good hygiene. You want your body to be ready for sleep, and routine is important to this step.
- 2). Drink plenty of water before boarding, and empty your bladder so you can sleep and not worry about using the bathroom. Bring a water bottle. If you are sleeping during the drink service, you will have water when you wake up and when you land.
- 3). Block out light with an eye mask, particularly if you are flying an airplane with individual TV monitors. Although you may turn your screen off, the airline sometimes overrides that and turns your screen back on during the flight. Make it dark to simulate a nighttime experience.
- 4). Use a good neck pillow to rest your head even if your seat barely reclines. As airplanes get more crowded, seat pitch is reduced, allowing more seats to be crammed in.
- 5). Bring a soft sweater or sweatshirt so you can cuddle up. Avoid zippers, buttons and snaps. Most airlines do not hand out blankets, or if they do, do not have enough for everyone.
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