You’ve got your passport, your neck pillow and your comfy socks. But if you’re still struggling to catch those elusive Z’s at 35,000 feet, you might be missing some insider secrets. We talked to seasoned travel experts and getaway gurus about their most unexpected tips about how to sleep on a plane—and some of their advice might surprise you.
From choosing a certain seat near the bathrooms to ditching your normal playlist—plus, other general travel tactics that will work in your favor, get ready to glean some helpful wanderlust wisdom from the pros.
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Related: 45 Travel Essentials, According to Flight Attendants, Professional Packers and More
How To Sleep on a Plane: 3 Unexpected Tips, According to Travel Experts
1. The Secret Lavatory Strategy
Here’s an unusual tip from Cheryl Nelson, travel preparedness expert and founder of PrepareWithCher.com: “When booking your flight, choose a window seat toward the middle of the plane, right in front of the central lavatory. Sitting here gives you a bit of extra privacy—no one seated directly behind you due to the wall, and you’re tucked away from the aisle, so you’re out of the path of those waiting in line.”
Related: The Caribbean Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
2. The Pink Noise Trick
Skip your usual playlist, suggests Mercedes Zach, travel agent at ASAP Tickets.
“Consider listening to pink noise instead of your favorite playlist,” she says. “Unlike white noise, which plays evenly at the same frequency, pink noise intensity decreases as the frequency increases, similar to the sound of beach waves, steady rainfall and rustling leaves.”
3. The Weighted Blanket Hack
Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best with a 350k-strong social media following, shares an unexpected comfort tip: “Try a small weighted lap blanket—it adds a gentle, grounding pressure that helps you relax, even in a crowded cabin.”
Related: The Ultimate Packing Lists for Every Type of Trip
More Expert-Approved Tips for Airplane Sleep Success
The Window vs. Aisle Debate
While many experts favor window seats, Luiz Alberto Hupsel, associate editor at Famvia, has a contrarian view: “What many people probably don’t know and get wrong is that the aisle seats are usually better if you want to try and get a good sleep. They let you stretch your legs and are just better for long flights.”
The Smart Hydration Strategy
Nelson advises: “Stay hydrated, but don’t go overboard on liquids before or during your flight. While staying hydrated is important, too much fluid can mean more frequent trips to the lavatory, interrupting your sleep.”
The Seatbelt Trick
“Buckle your seatbelt over your blanket,” Nelson suggests. “This way, if there’s turbulence, the crew can see you’re secure without disturbing your sleep.”
Related: 10 Self-Care Travel Essentials Everyone Should Pack When Flying
The Circulation Secret
Nelson warns: “Try not to cross your legs or arms. Crossing your limbs for long periods of time can cut off your circulation, causing that ‘pins and needles’ sensation that may awaken you.”
The Aromatherapy Approach
Murphy recommends “a sleep mask scented with a hint of lavender or chamomile to instantly calm your senses and block out the light.”
The Seat Selection Strategy
Zach emphasizes location is key: “The front of the plane is also more quiet, as the engines are located under the wings, further down the plane.”
The Mini Massage Solution
“A mini foam roller can be a lifesaver,” Murphy shares. “Rolling out your back and legs before settling in can make a world of difference.”
The Budget-Friendly Neck Support
Hupsel has a practical tip: “Slim neck rests can be quite good and are available on Amazon. They’re very thin–more so than typical neck pillows–and don’t take up much space.”
Related: Travel Bloggers Reveal the Ultimate List of the 45 Best Travel-Sized Beauty Products
The Circadian Rhythm Hack
Nelson suggests: “Keep your window shade open during daylight hours that match the timezone of your departure location. This helps maintain your circadian rhythm and prevents the confusion that can come from blocking out natural light too early.”
The Compression Solution
Zach recommends: “Compression socks are also a great option to consider, as they are designed to prevent leg soreness and ensure healthy blood circulation during your sleep.”
Up Next:
Related: The Surprising European Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
Sources
- Cheryl Nelson, travel preparedness expert and founder of PrepareWithCher.com
- Mercedes Zach, travel agent at ASAP Tickets
- Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best
- Luiz Alberto Hupsel, associate editor at Famvia
