First thing flight attendant does on a plane to get a better sleep
Sherry Peters has been an international flight attendant for 27 years and flies up to 12 times a month, so she knows a thing or two about getting comfortable on a plane.
Something that often stresses passengers out the most is the struggle to get any kind of decent sleep when you're jammed into an economy seat surrounded by hundreds of other travellers.
Thankfully, Sherry has shared some of her expert seat hacks with mattress experts Sleepy's, including one thing she does as soon as she gets on the plane.
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Make sure you choose the right seat and then do this one thing. Supplied
But before you even board, make sure you are choosing a seat that is going to be conducive to getting some shut-eye.
"Seats near the galley or toilets are the absolute worst if you're trying to sleep," Sherry, who is the founder of Atlas + Wild, said.
"There's constant foot traffic, people queuing, lavatory doors slamming, and constant crew activity, it's almost impossible to get uninterrupted rest."
Instead, she recommends a window seat, which allows travellers to control light, reduce noise, lean against the wall, and avoid repeated interruptions.
But regardless of where you sit, Sherry said the biggest factor impacting sleep on a plane isn't comfort, it's control.
"Most people blame jet lag or the flight itself, but often it comes down to how to control your environment and if you are staying hydrated," she said.
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Getting comfortable as soon as you get on the plane is important. Getty
Which is why she always does this as soon as she is able to after boarding.
"Closing the shade as soon as I sit down signals my brain that it's time to sleep," she said.
"I create a small sleep bubble by putting a blanket over my head, or using my jacket. Even if the plane is loud, I trick my brain into thinking that it's quiet and dark."
Of course, you'll likely need to keep your window shade open during take off but if you're quick about it once up in the air it can help you get into the mood for sleep faster.
Another thing you might not have considered is your shoes.
"Wearing tightly laced shoes for an extended time can compress nerves and restrict blood flow to your feet, causing them to go numb while you rest," sleep experts at Amerisleep said.
"Loosening your laces on the plane can alleviate discomfort and promote healthy circulation, aiding in longer, more restful sleep."
