Sleeping While Traveling

Sleeping while traveling… that’s something that can be a challenge.

I’m a fussy sleeper to begin with, and nowadays those planes insist on leaving at 6 a.m., which means I need to get to the airport at 4 a.m., which is earlier than I even go to bed sometimes…

So what to do?

For starters, I try to make sure that I have all my sleep paraphernalia with me, from comfy jammies to ear plugs and some herbs and aromatherapy, plus my ipod preloaded with some soothing going to sleep meditation.

Also, I like to sleep with a Euro style quilt, something that you don’t usually find at hotels, so I take one of those with me wherever I go, which usually means a second suitcase.

Of course, these days, they charge extra for even the first suitcase, and even more for the second one.  But that quilt has to come along. It means the difference between sleeping pretty well or tossing and turning most of the night.

As a result I’ve learned to travel a bit lighter than I used to.

About those herbs…

Valerian is big, some Melatonin, and hops and passion flower etc.  I’ve got one that’s called Relax and sleep that I like.

Generally, it’s a good idea to experiment before you travel…

Of course, you’d think after having gotten up at 3 a.m. the night before, I’d be too exhausted not to sleep, but that’s not something I can count on.

the most important thing: Bring everything you need to sleep comfortably in your carry on bag.  Because you can never count on your suitcase arriving when you do.  In fact,  a couple of years ago, I got stranded in Chicago — without my luggage.  No earplugs anywhere to be found, and no herbs either.

Lesson learned.

So what’s YOUR secret to sleeping well while in hotel beds etc.?

3 thoughts on “Sleeping While Traveling

  1. Veronica (lifewithnature)

    Those are great tips. I’ll bring everything I need next time I travel! I usually simply meditate to help me fall asleep. I Just found your blog and I really like it. I’m not sure if you know already but there’s a big self-help gift giveaway at the moment with over 300 free ebooks and other stuff about self-help. You can take a look if you like here: http://tiny.cc/glicw

  2. Alex

    Thanks for the tips. I struggle to sleep anywhere other than my bed whereas some of my friends can fall asleep on planes, trains, you name it.

    One thing I have found is lavendar oil really helps me to relax so if I’m the slightest bit tired I feel much more like sleeping.

    A bit of light stretching before a flight can also soften you up ready for sleep.

  3. Elisabeth Post author

    Thanks for your comment, Alex. I have yet to figure out how to sleep on planes!

    But as long as I have a bed… I like lavender too. Never thought of stretching. Need to try that.

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