10 Tips To Feel Comfier And Sleep Better On A Long Flight

No one likes long flights, especially those that last over 10 hours. In those cases, it's important that you sleep well during a night flight and feel comfortable in an enclosed space during a day flight.

Make a few small changes in your flying habits with our 10 tips to help you sleep better on your next flight.

Read on to find out our tips!

#1 Choose the right seat

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Window seats are the best choice if you want to have a good sleep. Not only do you have greater control over the window, there's also something for you to lean against.

If you're tall, choose the seats at the front of each section as they usually have bigger legroom so you can stretch out your long legs.

Avoid the last row of each section as the seats there may not recline. Also, that's usually located near the toilets so you may get a periodic whiff of toilet smells which won't help you to relax.

#2 Bring a neck pillow

Photo from sportstore.sg

Although a lot of people find regular neck pillows comfortable to sleep in, not everyone does! If you haven't tried one before, borrow one from a friend or get a cheap one to test out at home first. Otherwise, you'll be lugging around a bulky neck pillow you won't even use!

Try this U-shaped pillow ($11) that has a convenient removable cover.

#3 Wear the right shoes

Photo from jinrong.sg

Avoid tight-fitting shoes as your legs and feet may swell during air travel.

If your feet doesn't smell, you could take them off during the flight to feel more comfortable. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off so you're not fiddling with your shoes in the enclosed space of a plane. Try these Bowtie Mules ($16.89) that are as easy to take on and off as slippers!

#4 Wear the right clothes

Photo from amofi.sg

While jeans and leggings seem like good choices, it may restrict your blood circulation and with the swelling on the lower half of your body, it might make you feel a little uncomfortable.

Opt for clothes that you would actually wear to sleep while at home. Think sweatpants, pants with an elastic band and smock dresses!

If you want to look put together once you've landed, choose clothes that aren't too oversized and bring a more structured outerwear piece like a leather jacket which can instantly smarten your look. Alternatively, you could bring a set of pyjamas to change into. Try this V-neck Smock Dress ($17.30)!

#5 Get an eye mask

Photo from funmall.sg

This is especially important for light sleepers who are sensitive to light. The flash of movie screens, reading lights, cabin lights, sunlight through the window can all disturb your slumber.

Some flights may provide them but there's no harm in playing it safe and bringing your own. Plus, you can get super cute ones like this Unicorn Sleeping Mask ($5.40)!

#6 Make sure your seatbelt is over your blanket

Photo from Japan Airlines

Flight attendants may wake you to check if your seatbelt is on if it's not visible, so remember to buckle it over your blanket at all times.

#7 Use noise-cancelling headphones

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You can't predict whether there will be a screaming child on the plane, so play it safe and bring a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to play soft soothing music that will help lull you to sleep.

#8 Stay hydrated and eat well

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It's important that you drink enough water and eat well so hunger and thirst won't get in the way of your sleep.

Bring an empty bottle and keep it filled before your flight so you can sip on water anytime you like without having to get the assistance of the crew members.

There's usually a water cooler at the area right before you board the plane or airline crew members will usually be glad to fill up your water bottle when you're in the plane.

#9 Drink caffeine-free tea

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Chamomile tea and peppermint tea has sleep-inducing properties that aid with stress and settle your stomach.

#10 Exercise before your flight

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If you've used up your energy, you're more likely to fall asleep faster. Try exercising the day before if it's a day flight, or in the same morning if it's a night flight.

Share this post with your friends who could use these tips for their flight!

Text by: GirlStyle SG