The sleep experts at Bed Sava claim that this military technique for falling asleep quickly and in uncomfortable, noisy environments is perfect for red-eye travellers
Sleeping on a plane is rarely an easy thing to do (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
If you struggle to sleep on planes, then this expert hack might come in handy on your next red-eye flight. While you cannot control the cramped seating, noisy neighbours or cabin light, this hack will put falling asleep back in your command. According to sleep experts at Bed Sava, there is a tried-and-tested method used by military personnel to fall asleep quickly – even in uncomfortable, noisy environments – that translates perfectly to sleeping on planes.
Known as the “military sleep method”, this technique was supposedly first introduced in a US military manual during the Second World War to help fighter pilots fall asleep fast and in uncomfortable positions.
According to Bed Sava, most plane passengers stay tensed without realising it(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Today, the technique has gained mainstream popularity, particularly on social media sites like TikTok and Reddit. People have claimed they’ve been able to use the sleep-inducing hack to fall asleep easily while travelling.
Step-by-step guide to the Military Sleep Method
Relax your face completely – releasing tension in your forehead, cheeks, jaw and tongue
Drop your shoulders – allowing them to sink down along with your arms
Exhale and relax your chest – letting the air out slowly
Relax your legs – starting with your thighs, then mindfully letting your calves and feet go limp
Clear your mind for 10 seconds – if intrusive thoughts arise, picture a calm setting to reset your mind
Repeat silently to yourself: “Don’t think… don’t think…” for approximately 10 seconds
The whole process takes around two minutes. But according to the original manual, the last 10 seconds are when most people drift off. The military method supposedly works because it targets both physical tension and mental overstimulation — the two biggest blocks to falling asleep, especially on planes.
“Most people on planes stay tense without realising it — shoulders hunched, jaw clenched, legs crossed,” say sleep experts at Bed Sava. “This method focuses on deliberately releasing that tension. Once your body relaxes, the mind follows.”
If you want to increase your chances of falling asleep faster and soundly on an aeroplane, there are a few other measures you can take.
Eye masks, earplugs and neck pillows can also ensure you get optimal rest(Image: Getty Images)
One is making sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing onboard. While you may be tempted to dress to the nines to bag an upgrade, there are more effective ways to do that than donning an uncomfortable outfit.
Another must-do is to avoid caffeine before your flight, even if it’s early and especially if you’re trying to adjust to a new time zone. Avoiding the coffee and tea on planes is also recommended because the hot water taps are less than pristine.
There are a few helpful accessories you can pack as well, to aid your inflight sleep. A neck pillow will keep your head supported and decrease muscle strain, while an eye mask and earplugs will block out cabin distractions.
Hollie Claire recently went on holiday to Greece, and fell asleep while she was sunbathing. Her tan has left people stunned as they can’t believe what happened to her
09:48, 14 Jul 2025Updated 09:49, 14 Jul 2025
She couldn’t believe what happened (stock image)(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A woman who fell asleep sunbathing while on holiday has left people stunned after revealing her tan. Hollie Claire showed what her body looked like in a video as she couldn’t believe what happened to her skin after spending some time relaxing in the sun.
Known as hxllieclaire on TikTok, she said a summer tan is “not worth” spending your holiday looking patchy, so she urged people to wear plenty of factor 50 sun cream. As she spent some time relaxing by the pool in Greece, she admitted her head ended up “swelling” because she fell asleep while sunbathing and woke up looking totally different.
Over a clip, Hollie wrote: “Your reminder to apply sun cream properly and not fall asleep in the sun. Watch to the end to see how my head ended up swelling.”
As she shows off her skin in the video, you can see patches of it are really red, and she has distinct bikini mark lines too. She also has really red patches on her face from where the sun has burnt her skin.
The video has been viewed thousands of times since it’s been shared, and people couldn’t believe what happened to Hollie. Many appeared to worry that she managed to burn so badly in the sun.
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One person shared their own horror story, writing: “I feel your pain. [I] used a ‘tanning oil’ along with factor 50 sunscreen, and I thought I would be fine. I’ve now spent three days of my holiday with second-degree sunburn and blisters on my shoulders and chest. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Hope you feel better soon.”
Another added: “Girls, don’t forget to use sunscreen on your scalp too, especially if you have fair/thinner hair.” A third replied: “Oh god, stay cool and drink plenty of water. Hope you feel better soon.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Hope you’re ok. That looks so painful.” Someone else also chimed in with: “Girl, please go to the doctor. Swelling is not good.”
According to Hollie’s other videos, she jetted off to Greece on holidays. She admitted she “learnt her lesson” in the comments, and thanked people for their advice and support.
When it comes to protecting your skin in the sun, the NHS advises: “Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.
“There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.
“Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.”
When the weather is really warm, people are advised to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, never burn, cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses, take extra care with children and use at least factor 30 sunscreen.
You shouldn’t rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin from the sun. The NHS says it’s important to wear suitable clothing, and to spend plenty of time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest.
When buying sunscreen, the label should have:
A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB
At least 4-star UVA protection
The NHS adds: “UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters ‘UVA’ in a circle, which indicates that it meets the EU standard. Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen.”
Flight attendants are seen multiple times walking on the aisle. Other than serving foods and drinks, there’s one important task they must complete during the flight.
Flight attendants are seen walking on the aisle several times, but for what?(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Being a flight attendant has lots of perks, such as travelling around the world. Still, it’s a tough job with a lot of responsibilities, especially for the passenger’s safety.
That said, there’s one important task all flight attendants must regularly complete throughout the flight. Have you ever wondered why flight attendants walk the aisle on certain occasions and even multiple times – even when most of the cabin is asleep? They’re not just stretching their legs, they are actually completing vital safety checks.
From serving drinks and meals, answering questions, offering duty-free, and going through pre-flight checks, cabin crew members are also tasked with being incredibly alert. This means no snoozing on the job, unless it’s a long-haul flight where attendants are designated periods of rest.
The crew has to complete a mandatory check every 30 minutes(Image: Getty Images)
Whether it’s a short or long flight, safety is the number one priority when flying. As explained on Go Opti’s website, the crew completes a mandatory check every 30 minutes to see if passengers need any assistance or anything that should be reported.
This check also applies at night, when all the lights are off and passengers are asleep. The website says: “Even if the passengers are sleeping, the cabin crew must keep checking that all is well. They will look for anything unusual and scan the passengers and the cabin. The flight crew must be checked upon every 30 minutes to make sure that they are ok and to see if they need anything.”
And their safety first policy doesn’t just come into play mid-flight, they are expected to see every passenger as they get on-board. During boarding, the cabin crew is responsible for identifying passengers who might be able to assist in the event of an emergency, along with anyone who may be unfit to fly. When seeing passengers get off, the crew has to ensure no one – or their belongings – are left behind.
On average, flight attendant safety training can last four and six weeks, including real-life scenarios and practical exercises. Walking on the aisle is just one of them.
The exact frequency varies depending on the flight duration. Nonetheless, whether it’s a one-hour or a 16-hour journey, flight attendants will always be alert to keep everyone onboard safe.
Next time, don’t be surprised when you see the cabin crew walking on the aisle. Whether they’re serving food and drinks or swapping areas with their colleagues, they’re also checking out for your safety and at your disposal whenever you need their assistance.
WE all function better after a decent night’s sleep, but sometimes life gets in the way and we simply can’t bank the hours of shut-eye we need to feel energised, upbeat and alert.
Getting up at the crack of dawn for an early morning flight, long train journeys on uncomfortable seats, and staying in unfamiliar hotel beds can make it difficult to get the slumber we want.
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We may even find it hard to squeeze in a daytime nap on the sofa or in the car when our bodies are crying out for some more rest.
Joshua Piper, sleep clinician at Resmed UK, tells Sun Health: “Whether you’re on a plane, in a hotel or trying to sneak a power nap in the car, falling asleep away from home can be tricky.
“Thankfully, there are some sneaky little tips that can help you to sleep, no matter your location.”
In a hotel bed…
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Some people struggle to sleep in hotel beds – but there are some east tricks to tryCredit: Getty
YOU’VE splashed out for a trip overseas, staying in a nice hotel with a bed that’s far more luxurious than the one you have at home.
Yet for some reason, your sleep couldn’t be worse. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Research by the Sleep Foundation found that the majority of people get less sleep in hotels than at home.
When asked where they slept best, a measly 13 per cent of people chose hotels compared with 65 per cent who chose their own bed.
Plus, only 54 per cent of people questioned said they got seven hours of sleep a night in a hotel.
“Hotel rooms can throw sleep patterns off with bright lighting, unfamiliar beds, and that ‘not-quite-home’ vibe,” says Joshua.
“Even if the bed is great, your brain is subconsciously on alert. It’s called the ‘first night effect’.”
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“One half of your brain stays more vigilant in a new setting as a survival mechanism, especially during deep sleep stages,” adds Jules Goldberg, an expert in sleep health and technology and founder of sleep tech brands, Sleepwave and Snorelab.
Jet lag can play a role, but your production of the sleepy hormone melatonin can take a hit regardless of timezone.
Routine is key here, according to Joshua.
“Keeping your bedtime routine the same, even on the road, is one of the simplest ways to ease into sleep,” he says.
“Brush your teeth, do your skincare routine, read your usual two pages of a book. Do whatever tells your brain ‘it’s time for bed’.”
Jules adds: “Keep the room cool and dark. Try setting the temperature to around 18C, which is ideal for sleeping.
“And if the curtains don’t quite cut it, a sleep mask can help you block out the light.”
She also suggests bringing something familiar to the hotel.
“Whether it’s your pillowcase or a small item from home, that sense of familiarity can help signal to your brain that it’s time to switch off,” she says.
On a plane…
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If you’re trying to fall asleep on a plane, wear loose clothingCredit: Getty
A LONG journey means a long snooze, right? Well, it’s not quite so easy.
Joshua says that sensory overload can make sleep very difficult.
Think loud noises, people talking and unless you’ve splashed out for business class, you’ll likely be in an upright, uncomfortable seat too.
Where possible, select your seat in advance – and choose wisely.
“A window seat away from foot traffic helps, and sitting over the engine can provide that steady white noise effect,” says Joshua.
Aim to keep your sleep short too – around 20 minutes maximum. You want to feel refreshed, not groggy
Jules GoldbergSleep expert
The exact location of over-engine seats varies, but they’re typically in the middle, near the wings of the plane, or to the rear of the plane.
“Eye masks, neck pillows, warm socks and a blanket go a long way too,” says Joshua.
“And a proper travel pillow can stop your head from nodding and waking you up repeatedly,” adds Jules.
Wear loose clothing when you fly so that your movement isn’t restricted.
And if you have time before a flight, try to squeeze in some exercise, such as a brisk walk, jog or gym session.
Research published in the journal Advances in Preventive Medicine found that exercise improves sleep quality and duration.
In the car…
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Recline your car seat 15 to 20 degrees to make sleeping more likelyCredit: Getty
MUCH like in a plane, if you have a long car journey ahead, you might be planning a little sleep, if the driver doesn’t mind you dozing off!
For a decent rest, recline your seat slightly.
“Being fully upright makes it harder for your body to enter proper rest,” says Jules. “Even 15 to 20 degrees helps.”
As for background noise, go for calm, instrumental music.
“Ambient playlists work best,” says Jules. “But if you prefer, choose a chatty radio station as this may help you to drift off.
“Aim to keep your sleep short too – around 20 minutes maximum. You want to feel refreshed, not groggy.”
Whatever you do, make sure you’re safe and stay belted if you’re in a moving vehicle.
On the sofa…
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We all need a sofa nap now and then – but limit yourself to 20 minutesCredit: Getty
BIG night ahead and want to bank some sleep so you can stay awake into the early hours?
“If you’re going for a tactical 3pm sofa snooze, aim for it to be around 20 minutes,” says Joshua.
“This is typically enough to recharge without dipping into deep sleep.
“Most of us take eight to 10 minutes to drift off, so set an alarm accordingly.”
While you can’t force sleep, you can create a peaceful, sleep-promoting environment.
“Even if you don’t fall fully asleep, a period of restful stillness can recharge you enough to feel sharper and more energised,” Jules says.
“Dim the lights as bright light confuses your internal clock, and do a short breathing exercise or body scan to calm your system.”
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FROM magnesium to meditation, there are hundreds of alleged tricks to help you get a good night’s sleep.
But which ones really work, and which ones are a waste of time and money?
As a team, we put 10 of the most popular to the test.
Some had us nodding off within minutes of hitting the hay. Others, not so much.
If you’re one of the 16million Brits with insomnia or other sleep troubles, here are some products and lifestyle tweaks you might want to try – and the ones you’re better off without…
In the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, mindfulness activities like body scans were shown to help improve sleep quality and even reduce some sleep issues.
A body scan involves focusing on a spot on your body, such as your right foot, and noticing how it feels or if there is any pain or tension.
Then, you move on to another area until you’ve covered your entire body.
By this point, you’re hopefully drifting off – or already asleep!
On a boat…
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Maintain a consistent sleep schedule before a boat tripCredit: Getty
WHETHER it’s a cruise ship, ferry or commuter boat, trying to catch some Zzzs on the water isn’t always smooth sailing.
“With long-term motion comes some detriment,” says Joshua.
“Motion sickness has been shown to have negative effects on sleep duration and quality.
“This often creates a vicious cycle, as sleepiness increases the risk of motion-related illness.”
The best thing you can do is maintain a consistent sleep schedule, sticking to your wind-down activities like normal to prepare your body for sleep.
For me, the bedroom is for sleep and, if the stars align, sex! That’s it. No TV, no laptop, no doom-scrolling. Otherwise, your brain won’t associate that space with winding down
Joshua PiperSleep clinician
Avoid using screens before hitting the hay as this can exacerbate the symptoms of motion sickness as your brain is receiving conflicting signals from your eyes and inner ear about movement.
But, boat sleeping isn’t all bad. Joshua says that the gentle rocking can actually help support sleep.
“Plus, quite often, being at sea means you are governed by natural light, which can have positive effects on sleep as you align more closely to your natural circadian rhythm, aka your body clock,” he adds.
“We also tend to have reduced noise pollution and other environmental disturbances.
“Just make sure everything is tied down!”
In your own bed…
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Keep your own bed for sleep and sex onlyCredit: Getty
WE all want to get good sleep at home.
While the NHS recommends we get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, half of Brits don’t get nearly enough, according to research by YouGov.
More than a third (34 per cent) struggled to drift off three or more times a week, and almost half (44 per cent) have called in sick to work because of extreme tiredness, research by Resmed shows.
Making your bedroom a sleep sanctuary goes a long way in improving your shut-eye.
“It’s about giving your brain the right signals,” Joshua says.
“For me, the bedroom is for sleep and, if the stars align, sex! That’s it. No TV, no laptop, no doom-scrolling.
“Otherwise, your brain won’t associate that space with winding down.”
You also don’t need to spend thousands of pounds on blackout blinds or fancy gadgets.
“Start with small steps, like an eye mask, a bit of down time before bed, even dimming the lights,” he adds.
“Stick to the same wake-up time (on weekends too) and get some morning sunlight.
“It’s the best natural reset for your body clock.”
The 8 sleep-destroying habits that are waking you up in the night
While it can be tempting to close your eyes while you’re waiting for your flight to depart, a member of cabin crew has revealed why you should avoid having some shut-eye
05:00, 24 May 2025Updated 10:20, 24 May 2025
There’s a reason why you shouldn’t fall asleep before the plane takes off(Image: Getty Images)
You might think that taking a snooze before your plane takes off is harmless, but a flight attendant has revealed a vital reason why you should avoid doing it on your next getaway.
Catching a flight can be tiring, especially if you’ve woken up at 3am to get to the airport in plenty of time for your long-haul flight. The early starts can quickly catch up with you, and before you know it, you’ve drifted off while waiting for everyone to board the plane.
But flight attendant, Ale Pedroza, who lives in Orlando, Florida, has revealed ‘what not to do’ on a flight – and top of her list is when not to nap.
“Let’s talk about things you shouldn’t do on an airplane – coming from a flight attendant,” she said in a TikTok video. “The first tip is try not to fall asleep before take off. I know travelling can be exhausting and sometimes you just want to get on an airplane and go straight to sleep.”
There’s a good reason to stay awake before take-off(Image: Getty Images/Blend Images RM)
She continued: “So not only is it not good for your ears to fall asleep before take off but you also want to remember that taxiing is one of the most crucial phases of flights. You want to make sure that you are completely aware and completely awake in case of an emergency or in case you have to evacuate.”
Ale, who has worked in the industry for a decade, then shared tip number two. “Next is do not consume your own alcohol. It is against federal relations to consume your own alcohol because we do need to make sure that you are drinking responsibly.
“And if you are drinking your own alcohol we can’t really track that. It is a federal thing, it is not an airline thing.” Serving your own alcohol on a plane is also banned in the UK.
Finally, she concluded: “One of the most obvious ones is don’t walk around barefoot on any airline or any airplane. If you decide to take your shoes off in your seat, that’s a different story, but do not walk into the lavatory with bare feet. You never know what you are stepping on, and the floor is not always the cleanest!”
It comes after air steward Tommy Cimato urged passengers not to wear shorts on a flight. The aviator turned video creator, who boasts more than 450,000 followers on his account @tommycimato, warned that wearing shorts can potentially pose a risk without you even realising it.
“Don’t or try not to wear shorts when on an airplane. You never know how clean it’s going to be, so if you’re wearing trousers you’re going to have fewer germs,” he explained.
Sharing other vital first-hand advice with his followers, Tommy went on: “Do not ever push the flush button or lever with your bare hands. It’s honestly just unsanitary and it’s pretty gross, so when you flush use a napkin or tissue. Don’t forget to drink water and stay hydrated! You’re going to want about 16 ounces for every flight that you go on.
“Do not fall asleep or lean your head on the window. You’re not the only person to do that and you don’t know how many people or children have wiped their hands or other things all over the window. Don’t feel afraid to let a flight attendant know that you’re feeling sick. We are there to help so if you need food, water, or an air sickness bag then please feel free to let us know.”
