Styleforum › Forums › Lifestyle › Health & Body › Sleeping on long flights
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Sleeping on long flights

post #1 of 61
7/28/10 at 7:32pm
Thread Starter 
I've done 10-12 transpacific flights over the last few years, am gonna go to HK tomorrow, and was thinking about taking sleeping medicine for the first time. Usually I'm a fairly fidgety person and I move around a lot on the flight and just watch a bunch of movies... but after the last few experiences of disgusting exhaustion once I arrive in Asia, I'm really thinking about taking pills this time.

My main concern is that I'll zonk out in an akward position (assuming there is not space to lie down) and I'll wake up with a horrible soreness somewhere. Anyone have a solution?

Also, is there anyone out there that takes offense to the person in front of them leaning their seat back during long-haul flights? I've always tried to be altruistic and keep it up, but if I'm gonna be passing out I think I should recline. Final question- anyone ever gotten in trouble for sprinting away from their assigned seat and stealing an empty row before cruising altitude?
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 61
7/28/10 at 7:35pm
Recline and pop an Ambien. Try to trade for window seat if possible.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 61
7/28/10 at 7:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroStyles View Post
Recline and pop an Ambien. Try to trade for window seat if possible.

why would you want a window seat? to lean against that hideously sloping wall?
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 61
7/28/10 at 7:55pm
If you can, request emergency lane seats during checkin so you can stretch your legs comfortably. I think the single most important thing for decent sleep in economy class is the U shaped neck pillow. I have the most problems in the neck area (and legs because I have long legs). I always sit aisle so I have some leg relief. I hope I'll be going business/first class sooner or later!
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 61
7/28/10 at 8:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Svenn View Post
why would you want a window seat? to lean against that hideously sloping wall?

Window seats are preferable if you want to sleep for 10 hours. Otherwise you will be forced to get up to let people go to the bathroom. You can also put the pillow against the wall and lean on it.

But YMMV. It's just what has worked for me. Aisle is the worst for sleeping. You will get nudged and hit repeatedly, and of course you'll have to get up for the bathroom goers.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 61
7/28/10 at 8:04pm
I actually drink a lot so that I have to get up and go to the bathroom. prevents blood clots
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 61
7/28/10 at 8:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by globetrotter View Post
I actually drink a lot so that I have to get up and go to the bathroom. prevents blood clots
That's what they say, but I haven't experienced issues sitting for 14 hours. I am a sprightly young stud though.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 61
7/28/10 at 8:17pm
I'm tall, so I take the aisle. I can stretch a leg out into the aisle, and I can stand up and walk frequently to alleviate the cramps from having my knees smashed into the seat in front of me.

Exit row is ideal.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 61
7/28/10 at 8:35pm
I usually just make sure I am tired before the flight (sleep less or not at all) and/or drink heavily. Usually does the trick. I aim for 3-6 hours of sleep depending on the flight I'm on (asia, transatlantic) and plan accordingly.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 61
7/28/10 at 10:11pm
Assuming you're departing on a red-eye from North America, stay up for the first 5-6 hours then pop an Ambien/melatonin, etc. First day on the ground avoid a nap at all costs, then pop another Ambien/melatonin at bedtime. You should be good to go by Day 2.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 61
7/28/10 at 10:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by globetrotter View Post
I actually drink a lot so that I have to get up and go to the bathroom. prevents blood clots

I've been told taking aspirin can help prevent this as well. It seems logical to me, but I don't know if the blood-thinning abilities of aspirin are actually significant enough to stop clots from forming. For what it's worth, it was a nurse who recommended it to me.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 61
7/28/10 at 10:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrG View Post
I've been told taking aspirin can help prevent this as well. It seems logical to me, but I don't know if the blood-thinning abilities of aspirin are actually significant enough to stop clots from forming. For what it's worth, it was a nurse who recommended it to me.

I actually do this, too. and use a lot of moisturizer and saline for my nose.

metro - I've nver had a problem, either, but it only takes one clot to kill you
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 61
7/28/10 at 10:52pm
I should think xanax would be better than ambien.
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 61
7/29/10 at 1:15am
Melatonin works surprisingly well and it's available at any health food store
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 61
7/29/10 at 6:01pm
Melatonin puts me to sleep well in just about any situation it seems. Good for lowering blood pressure a bit also. I take a 3mg time release tablet. http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/se...abel/Melatonin
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Health & Body
Styleforum › Forums › Lifestyle › Health & Body › Sleeping on long flights