Sleeping aids for long haul flights
- Herbal teas
- Travel pillows
- Comfortable plane seats
- Essential oils
- Many more
1. Choose a flight that makes it easier to sleep
There’s no easy way to pick a ‘restful’ flight to Australia – it’s guaranteed your circadian rhythm will be thrown off slightly by the time difference. However, you can choose a flight that’s late at night, and try to arrive in your stopover airport in the morning. By departing at a time when you’d usually go to sleep, you’re giving your body the best chance of a little rest from the moment you fasten your seatbelt.
2. Try natural remedies
There are several holistic treatments you can use for sleeping on planes. Carry a vial of lavender oil with you, and dab it around your pulse points (neck, wrists, chest). According to the US Library of Medicine, the oil has calming, sedative and anxiolytic properties which will help both calm your nerves, and help you drift off to sleep. Melatonin has also been proved to help with sleep disorders, and it’s a common natural remedy for nodding off to sleep on flights too.
On a flight from Ireland to Dubai, or Thailand? You might want to check out our top tips on beating the jetlag too.
3. Try slightly more traditional natural remedies
If you’re at the airport bar, there’s a rugby game on and you’re knocking back a few pints, it’s easy to forget the dehydrating effects of alcohol on the body. Even though you may feel like it’s helping you sleep, you’ll feel worse on waking up (whether it’s in your destination or half way through an 8-hour flight). A little pre-flight tipple might cure your nerves, but leave it on ground level for a better night’s sleep.
4. Avoid caffeine
Caffeine: another one of the airport ‘heroes’. That espresso really helps the 6am red-eye flight at the time, but caffeine can stay in your body for 6-8 hours afterwards, reeking havoc on your sleeping pattern. Opt for a herbal tea instead (we know, we know, it’s not the same), but a camomile tea has similar anxiolytic properties, excellent for calming both the nerves and the digestive system before a flight.
5. Choose your seat wisely
After you’ve chosen your flight on Skyscanner, you’ll be directed to the pages to book the flight. Usually, there is an option to book your seat. This is usually an extra fee on airlines like easyJet and Ryanair, but on long-haul flights to Asia, Australia or America, it’s included in the price of the ticket. Choose the exit row and a window seat for maximum sleep space and very little disruption. Try to avoid the seats next to cubicles or bathrooms, as occasionally the seat cannot recline all the way back. The centre of the plane is also where you’ll feel the least amount of turbulence due to it being the centre of gravity.
6. Opt in for the upgrade
Did you know you can use Skyscanner to compare prices on Premium Economy, Business and First Class seats? When searching for your flights, insert your specific dates and use the filter to select your chosen cabin class. On average, in Premium Economy you’ll receive 2-3 inches of extra legroom, power outlets, larger TV screens and a premium food service. Combine that with a travel pillow and an eye mask, and you’ll nod right off.
Can’t get an upgrade? Here are 6 tips for turning your economy fare into a first-class experience.
7. Pack the essentials to make sleep easier
As always, you could invest in a few things to make your economy seat a little more comfy. We’ve trialled 11 travel pillows based on comfort, how compact they can become and the value for money. Taking a heavy weight scarf with you can also double up as a blanket, and ear plugs and a sleep mask will definitely help too.
Skyscanner have plenty more tips for flying like a pro, check these out ✈️
15 of our best ever packing tips
Ever used a luggage scale before? It might just be your saving grace.
Air travel secrets: 7 hidden extras you can get on flights
Find out where to get the cheapest duty free items in the world.
How to get over your fear of flying
We’ve prepared this guide to keeping your cool and having a stress-free trip next time you take to the skies.
Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire.
