Flying can affect sleep perhaps more than any other type of travel. Switching from the comfort of your own mattress to trying to nod off in a somewhat constrictive aircraft seat is not particularly easy to get used to. However, with the use of a select few items, falling asleep on the plane has never been simpler. Most important is the sleep-mask, which will block out any light and encourage the body to fall asleep. That covers the visual distractions, although planes are not exactly known for their lack of noise. As passengers chat and stewards ferry food and drink back and forth, behind the whirring of the plane itself, it is a good idea to invest in either some ear-plugs or perhaps headphones if you are susceptible to falling asleep to music. Alternately, the University of Texas has revealed that eating foods such as walnuts or cherries can be conducive to sleep, as both contain high levels of melatonin, a hormone in the brain which induces sleep.
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