Sleepless nights before a big trip – we’ve all been there. You’re set to catch an early flight, your bags are packed, but you just can’t seem to drift off.
It’s not just you. Psychology tells us there are specific behaviors that people often display when they struggle with pre-flight insomnia. And guess what? They’re usually the same seven behaviors.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at these telltale signs. Understanding them might just be the key to getting that much-needed rest before your next early morning flight.
As someone who has spent countless nights awake before traveling for work and leisure, I’ve experienced these behaviors firsthand. So let’s dive in and shed some light on this common pre-flight predicament.
1) Overthinking the journey ahead
We’ve all been there – our bags are packed, the alarm is set, but our minds are racing with thoughts about the journey.
This is a common behavior seen in people who have difficulty sleeping before an early flight. The constant overthinking and planning can be overwhelming and keep us awake.
This might seem like a harmless habit, but in reality, it can disrupt our sleep and affect our overall wellbeing.
In the context of pre-flight insomnia, this could reflect how we judge and overanalyze our upcoming trip instead of allowing ourselves to relax.
Understanding this behavior can help us manage it better. Instead of dwelling on the journey ahead, try focusing on calming activities before bed to help quiet your mind and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
2) Obsessively checking the time
I remember one particularly restless night before a morning flight to New York. The clock seemed to be my enemy. I found myself checking the time almost every hour, calculating how many hours of sleep I could still get if I fell asleep right at that moment.
This obsessive behavior is another common sign of pre-flight insomnia. It’s as if our brains are wired to keep track of every passing minute, leaving us in a constant state of alertness that makes sleep elusive.
In this case, choosing to let go of the need to constantly monitor time can be a powerful tool in combating pre-flight sleeplessness.
Next time you find yourself in this situation, try putting your clock out of sight or setting an alarm that reassures you that you won’t miss your flight. This might be just what you need to relax and drift off to sleep.
3) Engaging in late-night packing
Ever found yourself frantically packing your suitcase at an ungodly hour, all while knowing you have a flight to catch in a few hours? I’ll be the first to admit – I’ve been there.
This last-minute scramble can feel like a necessary evil, but it’s often a key contributor to those sleepless pre-flight nights. The stress of making sure you’ve packed everything can send your mind into overdrive, making it nearly impossible to get any rest.
Famed psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”
By doing so, we create a more relaxed environment for ourselves, increasing the likelihood of a good night’s sleep before an early flight. It’s not always easy to change our habits, but the benefits can be worth the effort.
4) Consuming caffeine late in the day
It’s tempting to reach for that late-afternoon coffee in an attempt to stay awake, but this habit often backfires when it’s time to sleep.
Several studies have shown that caffeine consumption can significantly disrupt our sleep. One such study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, found that even consuming caffeine 6 hours before bedtime can reduce total sleep time by more than an hour.
As someone who loves a good cup of coffee, it took me a while to accept that my late-night espresso was more of a foe than a friend when it came to pre-flight sleep.
However, once I started limiting my caffeine intake in the hours leading up to bedtime, I noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality. If you’re finding it hard to fall asleep before an early flight, it might be worth rethinking that late-night cup of joe.
5) Using electronic devices before bed
I’ll admit it, I’m guilty of scrolling through my phone or watching TV right before bed. It seems like a harmless way to unwind, but research suggests otherwise.
Using electronic devices before bed can actually disrupt our sleep. The blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
This impact on our sleep patterns was eloquently summed up by psychologist and sleep researcher Russell Foster, who said, “Light exposure, especially short wavelength blue-ish light in the evening, will suppress melatonin secretion and increase your alertness.”
By limiting our exposure to electronic devices in the hours before bed, we can improve our chances of getting a good night’s sleep – even when an early flight looms in the morning. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
6) Trying too hard to sleep
Seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But believe it or not, the harder you try to force sleep, the more elusive it often becomes.
We’ve all had those nights where we lay in bed, eyes shut tight, mentally willing ourselves to fall asleep. But this approach rarely works. Why? Because trying to force sleep can create a stress response in the body that actually keeps us awake.
The more we try to force sleep, the larger the issue becomes in our minds.
The key is to focus on relaxation rather than sleep itself. Incorporating calming activities into your pre-flight routine can help create a more conducive environment for sleep.
And who knows? You might just find that when you stop trying so hard to sleep, it comes more naturally.
7) Neglecting a pre-flight wind-down routine
How many times have we rushed through our pre-flight preparations, only to find ourselves wide awake when it’s time to sleep?
Skipping a wind-down routine can significantly impact our ability to fall asleep. It’s like expecting a car going 100 mph to stop on a dime – it’s simply not feasible.
Psychologist B.F. Skinner once said, “A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances.” But in this case, a little effort towards creating a calming pre-flight routine can go a long way in improving our sleep.
So next time you have an early flight, try setting aside some quiet time before bed. You might be surprised at the impact it can have on your sleep.
Final thoughts
The complexities of our behavior, especially when it comes to sleep, can often baffle us. As we’ve explored, the night before an early flight can trigger a host of habits that stand between us and a peaceful slumber.
Each of these behaviors tells a story – about our anxieties, our routines, and our unique responses to stress. But the beauty of it is that with awareness, we can begin to rewrite these stories.
As we navigate through the hustle and bustle of travel preparations, let’s remember to also prioritize our sleep.
After all, it’s not just about reaching our destination; it’s about making the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible – starting with a good night’s sleep.
So next time you find yourself wide awake before an early flight, think back on these behaviors. Reflect on which ones resonate with you and consider how you might change your pre-flight routine for the better. Safe travels and sweet dreams!
