How to sleep better on a red-eye flight, according to experts
This is a section of an article that appeared in The Washington Post April 19, 2024
By Andrea Sachs
Red-eye flights are the best idea and the worst. On the plus side, you gain more time in your destination and fly outside work hours, so you don't have to waste vacation days on transiting. Fares are often less expensive than prices for daytime flights. The downside is that you might not sleep well — or at all — and you're a wreck the next day.
We spoke with sleep experts about how to help nocturnal fliers catch a few winks.
"A lot of people say, 'Oh, I can't sleep on a plane.' Well, sure you can," said Chris Winter, a neurologist and sleep specialist. "You're creating your own reality. If the plane flies long enough and you're on it long enough, you will fall asleep."
He also suggests a hoodie with a built-in eye mask, such as one by Dēp Slēpwear. Like with new hiking equipment, test your sleep gear at home, to make sure it's comfortable and works.