Travelling by plane can often throw your whole sleep pattern our routine out of shape - it's hard to nail the perfect flight set-up. Sometimes trying to get some sleep can help you feel more fresh when you arrive at your destination - and if nothing else it does help the time pass by more quickly.
But getting some shuteye when you're sat in the middle seat close to crying babies isn't always easy. That being said, there are certain things that can help you fall asleep faster when you're on a plane, which can in turn help you beat jet lag.
Dr Lindsay Browning, neurologist, psychologist and sleep expert at And So To Bed, has recommended avoiding a certain drink while on the plane - and it's not caffeine. Unfortunately, it's bad news for those who like to enjoy a boozy flight.
You might think that if alcohol usually makes you sleepy, it's a great idea to drink before and during the flight because it will send you to sleep - but unfortunately it doesn't work like that.
The sleep you get won't be good, and it can also affect your cognitive performance the next day - as well as make the effects of jet lag worse.
Dr Browning explained: "While alcohol is a sedative and can help you fall asleep easier, you should stay away from alcohol on your flight. Alcohol can lead to more awakenings and worse sleep quality including less REM sleep.
"The after-effects of heavy alcohol consumption (i.e a hangover) not only affect your sleep but also your daytime cognitive and psychomotor performance the next day meaning you will wake up feeling more dehydrated, groggy and can worsen the effects of jet lag."
It won't come as a surprise you should also avoid drinking coffee and tea if you're hoping to get some shuteye on the flight. Dr Browning explained: "If you're hoping to get some sleep on your flight then you'll want to avoid drinking any caffeine close to your flight.
"Caffeine has an average half-life of around six hours. That means that six hours after your cup of coffee, half of the caffeine is still in your system keeping you awake.
"Caffeine is not only found in tea and coffee but also in chocolate and soft drinks such as cola and energy drinks, including sugar-free varieties."
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
