While traveling, it can be extremely difficult to get a good night's rest. The car could be uncomfortable, the planes have little leg room, and trains can just be very loud. Either way, when you're traveling a long journey, getting some sleep may be necessary. Here are some tips on how to get the best sleep that you can while traveling.
Invest in a good sleep mask
When you're traveling, it's hard to create the optimal sleep environment - cold, dark, and quiet. However, you can simulate it with a good sleep mask. Sleep masks block out a majority of the light, tricking your body into thinking it's dark outside so you can get good rest. This is especially helpful in cars where there are a lot of windows to let in light. Planes, it depends on if the lights are on, and if your row mates decided to close the window, but just in case, a good sleep mask will reduce the amount of light you're exposed to.
Get a great pillow
Pillows are another way to get great sleep while you're traveling. Trying to lean your head onto the window can be super painful and uncomfortable. Plus, nothing is more embarrassing than your head flopping all over the place while you're asleep. If you can get a great neck or travel pillow then you can provide some support to your head and neck so you can be comfortable enough to go to sleep. If you want some more support, than memory foam is the best option. If you want something more pliable, than you may want to look into microfiber or cotton stuffed pillows. Try out different ones and get them for cheap from many retail stores.
Bring your favorite blanket
Planes can get very cold and car ride temperatures are at the mercy of the driver or the person controlling the thermostat. Bring a nice travel blanket designated for traveling. It should be something fairly light, so it's easy to travel, but something that can at least provide warm for your upper body. Travel blankets can get pretty dirty, so make sure to wash it thoroughly after each trip!
Use a sleep aid
Sometimes, a nice sleeping pill will do the trick, especially if it's a long trip that is overnight. International flights from the US to Europe are normally overnight, and it can be very hard to get comfortable on those flights. Using a sleep aid like an antihistamine or Unisom can help give your sleep efforts a little boost. Make sure to only take the recommended dose, and if you're taking any other medication, please check with your doctor before adding on any additional supplements or pills. Also, please make sure to use medication for their intended purposes. If another medication makes you drowsy, but that is not its primary purpose, then you should refrain from using it.
Find some calming music
Car rides can be really noisy and planes always have the captain speaking or the noises of the flight attendant. But, if you can plug in and find some calming music, then you may be able to block some of this out so you can go to sleep. Again, traveling may not allow for you to fall asleep in a dark and quiet room. But if you turn on a meditation app, or even some calming classical music without any lyrics, your brain may become relaxed enough that you can doze off.
Wear comfortable clothes
Traveling in jeans, leather, tight clothes, or anything restrictive can make it very hard to get comfortable enough to go to sleep. If you can, travel in comfortable clothes, with loose articles around your waist. This can help you relax and breathe deeply as you're preparing to go to sleep. Also, if you can wear comfortable shoes or shoes that are easy to take off then you can make sure your feet our comfortable as well.
Make good food and drink decisions
When traveling, it can be easy to pig out on junk food, energy drinks, coffee and other snacks to keep you awake for the ride. However, if you're too bloated or too full of sugar and caffeine, then it will be very hard for you to go to sleep. Drink water and snack on healthy foods like fruits, nuts, and other small foods that will reduce any bloating or gas, and help you feel comfortable enough to go to sleep.
