A TRAVEL expert has revealed the two mistakes flyers make when trying to sleep on a plane.
Doctor Henry Ting, senior vice president and chief health officer at Delta Air Lines, also warned that passengers are at risk of making their jet lag worse as a result of poor decisions.
Sleeping on planes is something only a few have mastered due to the number of factors making it a near-on impossible task.
From too much noise to uncomfortable positions, there is always something stopping you from a fully relaxed journey.
But the problems can actually stem from what you do before you even step foot on the plane.
Brits are renowned for having a pre-flight drink whilst waiting at the airport and it’s hard not to get carried away amongst all the excitement of travelling abroad.
But according to Dr Ting, this is one of the most common mistakes travellers can make if they plan on sleeping throughout their flight.
He told Thrillist: “Alcohol can disrupt sleep both on your flight and after you land.
“Alcohol is a diuretic, so can increase dehydration, making symptoms of jet lag worse.
“It’s important to enjoy alcohol in moderation to feel your best.”
It isn’t just alcohol consumption that effects your ability to sleep during a flight, however.
Taking sedatives is also a major error, with many people believing they help you to drift off as soon as you board the plane.
Dr Ting said: “While taking sedative medication may be tempting, especially on a long-haul international flight, these medications affect neurotransmitters and can actually cause you to be more stimulated than relaxed.
“Instead of sedatives, opt for a good neck pillow and comfy clothes.”
There is no easier or more efficient way to pass the time on your flight than sleeping, so it’s worth taking Dr Ting’s advice to give yourself the best chance of nodding off without any hassle.
Not only does it make the hours go by quickly, but it can also ensure you arrive at your destination in the best possible condition, rather than bleary-eyed, jet lagged and energy drained.
Elsewhere, experts have also revealed the best seats to pick if you want to increase your chances of sleeping on a plane.
Many passengers dread long-haul flights, especially in economy class where space is restricted, but there is a way to maximise your comfort.
And these are the three ways to ensure a good night’s sleep whilst flying – and the biggest mistake to avoid.
Trying to sleep comfortably on any form of public transport is near-on impossible and often results in some form of strain on your body.
SLEEPING on planes can be especially difficult when there is limited leg room and space to move.
But with the help of Dr. Henry Ting from Delta Air Lines, here are some of the best ways to ensure you get a good night’s sleep on any future flights.
Use a memory foam pillow and eye mask
A memory foam neck pillow provides a comfortable neck position and a memory foam eye mask helps to block out the light.
Sleep when it’s dark, wake when it is light
Try to stay on daylight and night cycles, regardless of destination, and sleep when it is dark.
Get physical
Exercise is great during daylight hours for endorphins and to stay on the correct circadian rhythms.
Skip the stimulants
Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake before sleep as they are more likely to keep you awake.
Use a weighted eye mask
The weighted beads inside the eye mask can help you calm the mind and fall asleep quicker, especially when adjusting to different time zones while travelling.
Bring a pair of earplugs
Ear plugs can reduce so much noise around you. Flight attendants will do their best to reduce the noise, but it helps to have those on hand just in case.
