Comfortable Airline Travel?

There are some travel accessories that will help you get some important sleep enroute. Many crewmembers themselves, including the pilots, use these things on their very important rest breaks.

If you are comfortable while traveling, you'll be much more likely to sleep. Even if you can't sleep, which is unlikely if you utilize these techniques and recommended travel accessories, you will certainly be more rested.

If you have a routine you normally go through before going to bed at night, try to do this on the plane too. For example, if you brush your teeth, wash your face, and then read for a few minutes before retiring at home, then do it on the plane too. Studies have proven that this is also helpful for settling in to sleep when you arrive at your destination.

Travel Accessories That Will Help You Rest While Traveling

Travel Pillows
Use two. One to support your lower back and one for your head. They're great for car trips too. Try to get one that wraps around your neck to stabilize your head. They really help you get as comfortable as possible. Without one, your head might flop around, which may wake you up. Leaning against the window  never seems to make you comfortable, and if you are able to sleep, you usually wake up with a very stiff neck or back. Having your own travel pillow is more sanitary than using the airline pillows. Those are moved around everywhere and the covers are not necessarily changed before every flight. For ultimate travel comfort, you can use a full body travel pillow. This is an inflatable, full-length seat liner. Be sure to bring yours on every long-haul flight.

Sleep Masks
An important low cost and effective travel accessory for avoiding jet lag symptoms is a sleep mask or eye shade. These are great for sleeping on the plane. Many people have difficulty sleeping enroute because the light level changes frequently. Passengers turn on lights, the movie scene brightens which brightens the cabin, people open their window shades, or the galley curtain opens flooding the area with bright light. Wearing a good sleep mask will make you oblivious and immune to all that.

Noise Canceling Headphones
To sleep on the plane, you need to have it quiet. Since you can't control the noise level around you, you have to bring the quiet along with you. How can you do that? Two ways--earplugs or noise canceling headphones. Ear plugs are terrific for some uses. While they are small, light, and inexpensive, the drawback is that you may find them difficult with which to sleep. Many people greatly love these headphones and think that they are one of the best inventions in years. Many airlines provide these headphones for their first class passengers, but they have to give them back at the end of the flight. If you bought yourself a pair, you'd get one of the best first class benefits at less cost than a first class upgraded ticket. Then they're yours to keep and use whenever you're in a noisy place and want to slip on some peace and quiet. Warning! Once you've tried these there's no turning back. You'll be hooked on them and will want to use them regularly.

Travel Footrest
The first and business class seats have these, but even in coach you can benefit from using a footrest. Using a footrest helps in two different ways: If you're tall, it takes strain off your lower back. If you're not so tall (or a child), and if your feet don't touch the floor, this helps prevent upper leg cramps.

Other Tips And Strategies For Sleeping While Traveling
Wear Comfortable clothing. Comfortable clothes, warm socks and a sweater will enable you to sleep better.
Loosen or Remove Your Shoes. Untie your laces to get some extra circulation to your feet.
Avoid/Manage Caffeine. In addition to being a stimulant, caffeine also dehydrates you.
Avoid Alcohol. Consuming alcohol before or during the flight will make it more difficult to sleep well. It will also dehydrate you. It is best to avoid alcohol from 12 hours before the flight until you're at your destination.

Courtesy of ezinearticles.com and pilot Paul M. who came up with these great ideas!