6 Tips for Surviving a Redeye Flight

When your travels take you across the world, you might have booked a redeye flight to get a great deal on your airline tickets or just out of convenience. Unfortunately, the redeye can leave you feeling fatigued, stressed, and limit your chances of getting a good night's rest. You might also end up with a serious case of jet lag depending on the final destination. Here are six tips for surviving a redeye flight:

#1: Stock up On Sleep Aids

Unless you're dead tired or find it relatively easy to fall asleep on a plane, you may have trouble getting to sleep on the redeye flight. Make sure you're well-stocked on ear plugs or headphones, an eye pillow , a blanket and a comfy pillow so that you can get some much-needed shuteye during your flight.

#2: Eat Before Boarding or Pack Snacks

Avoid eating a heavy meal on the plane or you'll have a difficult time falling and staying asleep. Ideally, you need to eat a light meal with lean protein before you board the plane. Pack some healthy snacks to hold you over until morning if you need to. Airline food is usually loaded with salt and unhealthy fats.

#3: Avoid Alcoholic Beverages

While an alcoholic beverage can help you relax, it won't help you get a quality night's sleep. Avoid alcoholic beverages that can prevent you from getting a good night's rest and also cause dehydration. Limit beverages altogether before take-off or you'll end up needing to use the restroom less frequently throughout the night.

#4: Skip the Entertainment

Unless you plan on staying awake throughout the flight, don't buy the in-flight movie or even watch TV during the trip. Focus on relaxing as much as possible so that you'll be more refreshed when you arrive at your final destination.

#5: Follow the Clock of Your Final Destination

This will reset your body clock so that you can ward off the effects of jet lag after you land. If it's breakfast or lunch time in the new time zone, make sure you eat a good meal during the flight or at the airport. Maintaining your regular schedule can make it much easier to transition into the new time zone.

#6: Drink Water Right when You Land

It's likely that you'll be fairly dehydrated from the flight, so drink plenty of water when you arrive at the airport. Avoid coffee at this time - even if it's early in the morning - because caffeine is a diuretic and can make the problem even worse. Drink water and eat a light meal if you're hungry so your body can adjust as quickly as possible.