How We Sleep on Planes
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Welcome to Sleep Better Week on the Strategist, where we’re helping you find everything you need to get your best rest — from testing the most comfortable mattresses to asking nosy questions about other people’s sleep routines. For more, head to ourSleep Better Week hub.
Sleeping on planes is awful; bringing the right gear helps. Strategist writers have strong feelings on a lot of things — see us debating whether toturn on the Big Lightand themerits of bag charms— and as it turns out, how to sleep on planes is another highly activating topic. Below are our tried-and-true techniques, including the ugliest yet most reliable blackout sleep mask and the neurotic yet essential nighttime kit one Strategist writer brings with her on every flight.
Jeremy Rellosa,New Yorkassociate editor:When I sleep on planes, I point the overhead air nozzle directly at my face like a laser. I sleep very hot so I take any chance I get to stay cool.[Editor’s note:This can alsoknock airborne pathogensout of your breathing area.]I also sleep with a mask on because I think my mouth sometimes opens when I sleep sitting upright.
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Levenis KN95 Face Mask
Michael Zhao, Strategist senior writer:An opera singer told me she does that for humidity reasons.
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Sam Daly, Strategist deals editor: I wear an N95 mask because I always get sick on planes, but they suck to sleep in — my ears start to hurt.
MZ:I would guess that dry air is making you sick from germs you pick up in the airport more than the plane germs. If you wore a bandana tied loosely to keep the sinus and throat moist, it would probably have a similar effect.
Erin Schwartz, Strategist writer:Maybe one of those cloth masks that theCDC said don’t do that much.
SD:I’ve got plenty an ol’ Baggu mask.
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Baggu Face Mask
MZ:Always compression socks. I like the Sockwell ones. They keep blood and lymph from pooling in your feet, which makes your feet hurt and shoes not fit. I feel less hungover when I wear them versus when I don’t.
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Kat Gillespie, Strategist writer: I aim fortotal sensory deprivation: earplugs, blackout mask. The Manta Pro is the best because it is very lightweight. I also think a footrest really helps; I usually just use my personal item, not a bespoke product.
Bella Druckman, Strategist junior writer:The Manta Pro is so ugly, but it’s the only one I bring on international flights. Everything is adjustable (head band and eye cups) and it blocks out all light. I also like the Drowsy and Brooklinen silk eye masks.
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MZ:I’ve long been a MZOO fan. It seems to hold up better than other brands, which start delaminating after a while.
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ES:Is anyone using travel pillows?
Amelia Jerden, Strategist sleep writer:I’ve neverfound pillows to be all that useful, but I’ve never had a good one! I usually ball up my sweatshirt and use it as a pillow if I’m in the window seat. Comfortable clothes in general are key for sleeping.
SD:I wipe down the tray, lay a sweater over the top of it, and sleep on that.
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Emma Wartzman, Strategist senior kitchen and dining writer:Big-time leaning down on the tray table! (Wiping first.) It’s the only way I can actually doze off. I’m also packing layers in my under-seat bag — I am always freezing, which makes sleeping impossible.
Jen Trolio, Strategist senior editor:I bring the J.Crew cashmere wrap-scarf-blanket thingy and usually need it. Mine might be 20 years old.
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J.Crew Oversize Cashmere Wrap
KG:If space allows, I will bring my own blanket or ideally a sleeping-bag liner. I love my Sea to Summit liner, but I recently lost it on a trip to Africa.
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ES:What aboutpants that aren’t uncomfortable to sleep in?
BD:I got these BDG track pants last year at a press event, and they have been my favorite traveling pants since. They’re not too tight at my waist, even in the weird pressure zone that is an airplane. My boyfriend always says I look very cool in them.
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Winnie Yang, Strategist senior editor:The Le Bon Shoppe Arc pants don’t lose shape, even after nine to 12 hours straight of wear, running through airports and getting a little sweaty. The waistband doesn’t dig in, and I don’t notice it, but it stretches enough to accommodate whatever weird things happen to your body when you fly.
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AJ:For really long flights, I pack my toothbrush and toothpaste in my personal item so I can brush my teeth. The ritual of brushing teeth and taking out contacts makes it feel like bedtime.
Najwa Jamal, Strategist updates coordinator:I pack a whole mini nighttime thing in a Ziploc quart bag (get the freezer versus storage type for spillage safety).On the last flight, the mix wasdisinfectant sprayandwipes,wet wipes,toothpasteandmouthwash,tongue scraperandtoothbrush, a bunch of samples of Chaneleye cream,cleanser,serum, andmoisturizer, plusmy contact case and solutionas well aseyedrops,sanitizer,facial mist, anSPF, mini-Aquaphor,deodorant, and alash curlerandblush/lip creamto be landing-ready during the daytime. I cannot stand not having a washed face or mouth, no matter the flight. It’s neurotic but worth it.
KG:I take any electrolytes that come in the stick packets and melatonin — I like Moon Juice’s. I like to bring herbal tea on planes, any rooibos. You can go ask the flight attendant for hot water or wait for the cart.
ES:How are the parents getting kids to sleep on planes?
WY:We hope they will eventually, but it’s a crapshoot. The oldest has been watching stuff on her iPad or plane entertainment for the entire flight, including even flights to Asia, since she was 7. With our toddler, we try our best to do the bedtime routine — try to have them eat at the appropriate time, bring the usual bedtime books to read, sing the bedtime songs (very quietly) — but it’s a tough age.
Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer:Putting them in the car seat helps. They get sleepier all contained.We are going on a plane soon and I will be bringing Yoto Mini with headphones and this sleep stories card.
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