Long-haul flights are known to be gruelling on the body, with some lasting well over 10 hours. Often the excitement of landing is overshadowed by the intense fatigue due to the physical discomfort.. Likewise, travelling across multiple time zones is known to disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm.
A seasoned flight steward has offered his unique tip to help combat the sleep deprivation often felt on long-haul flights and involves the in-flight meals. Despite most passengers finding meal time to be the highlight of the flight, flight attendant Kris Major says it’s a better option to skip it entirely instead.
Major has almost two decades of flying experience and dished his top tip, which he believes will help with the quality of your sleep.
He believes this is the secret to arriving at your destination feeling energised and refreshed.
Major adds that many avid jet-setters are well aware of this no meal tip and often are seen dozing off as soon as the plane takes off.
Speaking with CNN Travel back in 2021, Major explained: “The seasoned travellers, after take-off, you go down the cabin, and you can see that they’re gone and covered themselves up and they’re asleep.
“Most airlines don’t particularly plan their [food] service around the passenger and acclimatisation and time zones crossing.”
Besides improving sleep quality while flying, choosing to not eat the meal served on planes helps to lower digestive discomfort, as eating at unusual times alongside slight turbulence is known to aggravate the stomach.
Tucking into large meals when flying often causes digestive issues such as gas, bloating or constipation, further impacting your sleep by making it more difficult to both fall asleep and stay asleep.
This could cause “gut lag” which occurs when there is a combination of being sedentary for so long, dehydration and the unusual eating times on your body.
Instead, experts recommend maximising your relaxation as soon as you board the plane and choosing to get as much shut-eye as possible regardless of how tempting the approaching food cart may be.
Most long-haul flights serve their last meal just before landing, and by the time that meal rolls in, you will be refreshed and raring for a good meal.
Major further advised thatsleep quality on planes which could come down to a simple notion of where you are sitting.
According to Major, going for the aisle or window seat allows for additional space enhancing comfort levels which promotes better sleep.