Sleep Dreams
Share
In the October Journey issue, we explored the initiatives airlines and airports are taking to help weary travelers get some rest, but incase that’s not enough (they say you can’t have too much sleep!) the APEX Experience editorial team has assembled a few more tips.
Terri’s Sleep Tips
CARRY A SLEEP KIT
I always carry a sleep kit with me: eye mask, inflatable neck pillow, and ear plugs. It’s a compact little case that can fit in any purse so it’s easy to stash in my carry-on. It was a free thank-you gift from a hotel that’s served me well for years, but nearing time for an upgrade – next sleep kit must include a compact blanket as well! Once I board and settle in it’s contacts out, glasses on, and I’m out like a light.
DRINK WATER
I drink lots of water before I board so that I don’t dehydrate while I’m snoozing, and if I’m feeling especially tired or prone to catch a cold I’ll load my water up with electrolytes or rehydration salts for an extra boost.
AVOID ALCOHOL
Spafax president of Content, Raymond Girard, gave me the best tip my first day on the job: Avoid alcohol and food in-flight. I always stick to water and tomato juice now, and will avoid food for as long as possible! It’s made a huge difference in how rested I feel when I land.
Katie’s Sleep Tips
BRING A SCARF
Depending on where you’re going and how finicky you are about your personal style, a simple pashmina or wooly-knit winter scarf comes in super handy in-flight, functioning as a make-shift pillow or blanket as needed.
AVOID CAFFEINE
As necessary as that coffee seems to keep you up to catch your red-eye, or get you up to catch an early flight, drinking one will not only give you the shakes and keep you awake, it will also make you have to get up to use the restroom.
Jessica’s Sleep Tips
MAKE A RELAXING PLAYLIST
As someone who is sensitive to noise, I always have a playlist lined up on my phone to listen to when the lull from the cabin isn’t enough to block out that crying baby or chatty passenger behind you. Piano-themed music always does the trick since I can listen to it on full blast and still fall asleep.
GRAB A WINDOW SEAT
This is key for long-haul flights. Not only does the window provide a spot for you to rest your head, you won’t be disturbed when your seatmates get up to use the washroom.
THREE INNOVATIONS TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER
The electronic Remee sleep mask provides customizable lighting patterns that claim to increase the frequency of lucid dreaming, so that you can guide your imagination even while you sleep.
British design firm Seymourpowell proposes an adjustable seat that morphs to fit an individual’s needs: think less space for John Jr. and more space for Dad.
The compact Travel Halo features two stabilizing pillows attached to a headband and an eye mask. The pillows, which cradle the back of your head, help you to avoid those kinks and cramps associated with sleeping upright.