We often take beds for granted, but the fact is that we spend about 27 years using them if you add all the average hours a person sleeps. Only when there is no bed available do you realize how important it really is.
Yes, it is lovely to sleep in a comfortable, warm bed, but if you’re far from one, there are a few things you can do to avoid waking up in pain and a bad mood, no matter where or on what — you’re sleeping.
We did a quick survey on how you can get a good night’s sleep, even if there is no bed in sight.
How to Sleep on a Plane
Change Positions During The Flight
Buddhist monks are known to sleep sitting upright, without complaining of any discomfort, but it is recommended to sit back at an angle of at least 40 degrees. Remember that changing your position and stretching your legs from time to time also helps.
Give Your Head Extra Support
Catching a few ZZZs while sitting can be challenging, as deep sleep requires muscles to relax and you still need to use your neck muscles to keep your head up.
The most common technique is to use the window as support. To prevent your head from falling when you’re not sitting next to an airplane window, some travelers use a scarf to keep their heads tied to the chair.
Using a neck pillow can also help, as it is important to support your neck to maintain a forward curve is important.
Put On Compression Socks And Take Off Your Shoes
Circulation decreases when you are sitting. Your blood stays on your feet and legs, which means sitting for long hours (like on a flight) can cause poor circulation throughout the body.
Taking off your shoes can improve circulation, but on the other hand, keeping your feet warm is also important, as it sends the body the right message: it’s time to sleep!
So why not kill 2 birds with one stone? Compression stockings can improve blood circulation while keeping your feet warm at the same time.
How to Easily Sleep on Public Transport
Place Your Belongings In A Safe Place
Napping while carrying important items is not really recommended. On the other hand, if you need to sleep while traveling or going home, you can avoid stalking thieves by using your purse as a pillow and covering yourself with a long coat inside out.
That way, all pockets are out of reach and thieves would have to wake you up to reach your bag.
It is also important to note that, in the UK, the backs of buses is more dangerous than other seats. Late-night trips also tend to acquire more criminal offenses, according to research.
Eliminate Noise, But Not Too Much
Among the various solutions to reduce noise during sleep, earplugs can be practical and inexpensive. There are special ear plugs for when you want to sleep on the go.
On the other hand, earplugs can prevent you from hearing important sounds, such as alarms, stops, or anything that can save you from an assault.
A good compromise may be to use noise-canceling headphones with white or other color noise or just with music that is not too loud.
When Crashing At A Friend’s Place
Think Outside The Box To Avoid The Ground
Not only is sleeping on the floor uncomfortably, but it is also more difficult to retain heat, as the floor is colder than the rest of the room.
That’s why using objects like a bathtub or an air mattress can be helpful, provided you insulate them properly to avoid heat loss.
For example, you can use a duvet to make the bathtub more comfortable while retaining heat.
Add More Layering Underneath You To Get More Insolation
Whether you’re dressing or sleeping, layers are basically the best trick to retain heat. When you sleep, your pajamas can act as a humidity control system in case you sweat.
Quilts can also retain heat. If the room you sleep in has good airflow, consider using fabrics that protect you from the wind as the final layer. Additional layers of soil also contribute to a softer bed.
Place Cushions Strategically To Prevent Soreness
Extra cushioning can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a morning with muscle pain. The idea is to keep your neck and back straight while flexing your knees slightly.
Arms should fall relaxed at your sides. Put a pillow under your head and shoulders to make sure your neck is properly aligned.
Then place 2 pillows lengthwise, starting at the ankles and continuing to the bottom of the buttocks to relax the lower back and flex the knees.
Do you have any advice on how to sleep better when there is no bed nearby? Do you use any specific technique? Don’t forget to share photos and tips with us in the comments!