How To Get Good Sleep As A Pilot Or Flight Attendant

Flying, whether private or commercial, can make getting a good night’s rest seem nearly impossible. The times can be at odd hours and long hours. The job is physically and mentally draining with all the flying, dealing with customers, and trying to ensure everyone is safe. But, considering the alertness that is required for a job like flying, sleep is essential. A lack of sleep can lead to issues with focus and concentration. But as a customer who is 30,000 miles in the air, the last thing you want to hear is that your pilot only slept a few hours. Therefore, it’s important as a member of a flight crew, no matter your role, that you manage to get a good night’s rest. Continue reading to find out how to get good sleep as a crew. Sleep quality is the amount of time that we can spend in deep, restorative sleep. This means getting into those later stages of sleep like N3 and Rapid Eye Movement (REM). These are the stages of sleep when our bodies repair themselves, consolidate memories, and prepare for the following day. Without having this type of sleep, you may wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed. Sleep training is just as necessary in adulthood as it is for infants and babies. Our brain relies on clues that tell us when it’s time for different parts of our day, including bedtime. Your bedtime habits can trigger your brain and body to begin to get ready for bed. This includes some of the behaviors discussed in the last paragraph but can also include some sleeping accessories. These sleeping accessories include sleep masks, earplugs, essential oils, and any routines, shows, or books, etc., that you may use before going to bed each night. Try to maintain some normalcy even if you aren’t home. This can help your brain recognize that it’s time to get ready for bed, even if you aren’t going to sleep in your bed. Sleep trackers have been shown to help people with sleep challenges understand what it is that they need to work on to get more rest. Wearables can be a great option if you don’t mind wearing something at night. Your phone can also track your sleep, although it won’t be as accurate. These sleep trackers can let you know if you have a problem falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep due to multiple nighttime awakenings. This insight can give you a starting place while you’re working on improving your sleep.

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