You might disagree, but I have found that whether you use them or not, there are two sleeping essentials when travelling. More importantly, each one should be based on personal preferences and experience.
Sleeping Essentials When Travelling
There are, in fact, about a half dozen other sleeping essentials when travelling, but I will save those for a future post.
1. Ear plugs for sleeping when travelling.
When it comes to finding the perfect earplugs for sleeping while travelling, there are many options, each with unique features and benefits. Foam earplugs are popular due to their affordability, effectiveness in blocking noise, and disposable nature, making them convenient for travel.
For years, I regularly used earplugs at home and when travelling to block out snoring. It became an issue a couple of years ago as the hearing in my left ear diminished. I turn over onto my right side if I hear a little noise. If the sound is significant, I use my earplugs, which I keep handy on the nightstand.
Moldable silicone earplugs offer a customizable fit, moulding to the shape of your ear for maximum comfort and noise reduction. For those seeking a reusable option, silicone or wax earplugs are durable choices that can be easily cleaned and reused, ideal for frequent travellers looking to minimize waste. Additionally, specialized earplugs explicitly designed for sleeping, such as those with noise-cancelling capabilities or those made from soft, hypoallergenic materials, cater to individuals with specific needs or sensitivities.
For example, I prefer Mack's “firm” foam snore blockers, while my partner prefers silicone earplugs.
Ultimately, the best earplugs for sleeping while travelling will depend on personal preferences, budget, and desired noise reduction. They will ensure a restful night's sleep wherever the journey takes you.
| Type of Earplugs | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Earplugs | – Affordable | – Disposable |
| – Effective noise reduction | – May not be as durable | |
| – Widely available | – Some users find them uncomfortable | |
| Moldable Silicone Earplugs | – Customizable fit | – May require replacement |
| – Comfortable for long-term wear | – Can be more expensive than foam | |
| – Reusable | – May not block out noise as effectively | |
| Silicone or Wax Earplugs | – Durable and long-lasting | – Can be difficult to clean |
| – Easy to clean and reuse | – May not provide as snug of a fit | |
| – Minimizes waste | – Some users find them too soft | |
| Specialized Sleeping Earplugs | – Noise-cancelling capabilities | – Higher price point |
| – Soft, hypoallergenic materials | – May require batteries or charging | |
| – Tailored to specific needs/sensitivities | – Some models may be bulky |
2. Sleep masks when travelling
I never felt the need to use masks—ever. That said, the few times I have been on a long flight and in business class, I have used them. When we flew down to South America, I booked premium seats, and we were given sleeping masks in our little pouch. They came in handy, and for some unknown reason, I tried them nightly for the rest of our trip. I became a convert.
When it comes to sleep masks, a wide array of options are available, each offering unique features to enhance your sleeping experience, particularly while travelling. Traditional sleep masks, often made from soft fabrics like silk or cotton, provide a comfortable barrier to block out light, promoting deeper sleep even in bright environments.
Most masks have adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit for different head sizes. In my experience, whether Velcro or clipped, these tend to become loose and need tightening over time. Others incorporate cooling gel inserts to soothe tired eyes and reduce puffiness. For travellers who prefer a more natural approach, there are masks infused with calming scents like lavender to promote relaxation and aid in falling asleep faster.
Additionally, advanced sleep masks may feature built-in Bluetooth speakers or wireless connectivity, allowing you to listen to soothing music or white noise to drown out external distractions.
The type of mask that I like the best is the MZOO Sleep Eye Mask, while Louise prefers the Blissy Silk Sleep Mask.
Ultimately, the best sleep mask for travelling will depend on individual preferences, whether prioritizing comfort, light-blocking capabilities, or additional features to create a tranquil sleep environment. Remember, like earplugs, masks have a limited life span. Since they are affordable, this isn't an issue, but you will want to consider how well they can be washed.
| Type of Sleep Mask | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Sleep Masks | – Comfortable fabric materials | – May not completely block out light |
| – Effective at blocking out light | – Some users find them too tight | |
| – Adjustable straps for secure fit | – Limited additional features | |
| Cooling Gel Sleep Masks | – Soothes tired eyes | – Cooling effect may diminish over time |
| – Reduces puffiness | – Bulky design may be uncomfortable | |
| – Enhances comfort during sleep | – Limited light-blocking capabilities | |
| Scented Sleep Masks | – Infused with calming scents like lavender | – Scent may fade over time |
| – Promotes relaxation and faster sleep onset | – Some users may be sensitive to scents | |
| – Natural approach to improving sleep quality | – Limited light-blocking capabilities | |
| Advanced Sleep Masks | – Built-in Bluetooth speakers or wireless connectivity | – Higher price point |
| – Allows for listening to soothing music or white noise | – Requires charging or batteries | |
| – Creates a tranquil sleep environment on the go | – Some models may be bulky |
6 Important Tips for Sleeping on Planes
Why is it essential to have total darkness when sleeping?
Having no lights when sleeping is vital because darkness is crucial in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Here's why:
- Melatonin Production: Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Exposure to light, incredibly blue light from screens or artificial sources, can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Quality of Sleep: Light can disrupt the quality of our sleep, even if it doesn't wholly wake us up. It can lead to shallower sleep, frequent awakenings, and a reduction in the amount of restorative deep sleep we get.
- Circadian Rhythm: Our bodies rely on the natural cycle of light and darkness to regulate various physiological processes, including sleep. Exposure to light at night can confuse our internal clock, leading to difficulties falling asleep and waking up at the correct times.
- Health Impacts: Disrupted sleep patterns due to exposure to light at night have been linked to a range of health issues, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, and other chronic conditions.
