We have seen an interesting TikTok trend making the rounds recently. People have been claiming to be ‘rawdogging’ flights. Rawdogging a flight means someone has no entertainment during the entire flight. No music, no movies, no reading. They just sit and think for the entire duration. And we think this is quite an unbelievable trend.
We aren’t saying it is impossible for someone to rawdog an entire long-haul flight. But it would take someone of extreme strength and dedication. Most people would crack within an hour. Long-haul flights can be extremely exhausting. Especially if you are taking them frequently.
There are a number of things you can do to make a long-haul flight a more bearable experience. With enough preparation you can ever make it an enjoyable or productive one! This guide will walk you through everything you need to help you survive your next long-haul flight.
Melatonin
Sleeping on a flight is never easy. With so much background sensory input affecting our mind and body. Sleeping pills are useful. But they aren’t the best option. They can leave you feeling sluggish and drowsy after you land. And, if you have to wake up midflight, you will likely still be under their influence.
Melatonin is what you need. Melatonin is the hormone produced by our brains in response to darkness. It is responsible for helping us sleep and maintaining our circadian rhythm. One of the main reasons people struggle to sleep at night is due to light exposure. Particularly from phones. And, on a flight, it is unlikely you will ever have enough darkness for your brain to produce enough melatonin for a good night’s sleep.
Melatonin supplements can do that for you. Within half an hour they will have your mind and body ready to sleep. It is important to note that they aren’t as potent as sleeping pills. You will still want to wear an eye mask and ear plugs to reduce any other sensory inputs.
It is important to note that melatonin supplements should only be used in situations where your circadian rhythm is going to be unnaturally altered. On flights, after a night of partying, if you’re working night shifts. They should not become a regular part of your sleep schedule.
Games
One of the best ways to pass the time on a long-haul flight is with games. Watching movies is fine. But they don’t engage your mind in the same way. Having something to mentally challenge you will help the hours literally fly by.
Phone games are the ideal choice for this. But you want to make sure the games you install are going to provide enough of a challenge to keep you occupied. Games like solitaire, mahjong, wordle, and other logic based puzzle games are a great choice. Or, if you’re someone who likes a bit more adventure, you could look at downloading a platforming game like Super Mario or Sonic.
Bring Flight Clothes
Unless you’re travelling first class chances are your seat won’t be the most comfortable in the world. So you need to do everything you can to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Our top tip for that is bringing a change of comfortable clothes to switch into once you’re in the air.
No one wants to be going through the airport in their pajamas. But there is no reason you can’t change into them once you’re in flight. This will help you fall asleep faster too. You will want to make sure the clothes you bring are warm as well as comfortable.
Adjust Your Sleep Pattern
One of the main issues people face when flying abroad is jet lag. The sudden change in time zone, paired with the discomfort of sleeping on a plane, can leave you feeling exhausted and unable to return to a comfortable sleeping pattern.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to start adjusting your sleep pattern a few days before your flight, if possible. If you are getting an early flight, one that takes off at around 1 AM, then a few days before you could try sleeping earlier in the day and waking up closer to this time. It might be difficult. But it will make your flight, and the jet lag after, more bearable.
Move About The Cabin
This one might seem obvious but you would be surprised how many people forget to do it. Sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time is not good for your body or mind. You should aim to get up and stretch your legs at least once every hour.
Try to do some stretching near the back of the plane where there is more space. This is important for your blood circulation and will keep your body energised and healthy. Doing this before you plan to sleep will also help you drift off easier.
