| There are many pros to frequent travelling, such as | | | | slept for five hours and I still wasn't there! Plus, when I |
| the great benefits to be gained from membership of | | | | did arrive I had a hangover." Indeed, it is that hangover |
| the numerous frequent flier and hotel reward schemes | | | | element, combined with the fact that alcohol-induced |
| which soon mount up if you are always on the move. | | | | sleep is not fulfilling, that prompts sleep expert Greg |
| But, an intriguing article recently appeared in the New | | | | Belenky, director of the University of Washington's |
| York Times that points out the real disadvantage of | | | | Sleep & Performance research center to dismiss it. He |
| being a member of the frequent traveler's club, namely | | | | instead suggests that other drugs such as prescription |
| lack of sleep on long-haul commercial flights. | | | | sleep tablets or natural remedies such as melatonin |
| The NY Times has found that, after poor customer | | | | supplements should be used to get a good rest. |
| service, the biggest complaint coming from frequent | | | | However, taking a prescription sleeping drug that lasts |
| travelers is that they can't catch enough sleep while | | | | seven hours on a five hour flight could prove a |
| they are flying. In fact it is becoming such a problem | | | | problem, so should only be used for long haul flights. It is |
| that travelers are resorting to extreme action to get a | | | | generally acknowledged that sleeping in a vertical |
| few hours of shut-eye. CPAP (continuous positive | | | | position causes the body to produce adrenalin-type |
| airway pressure) machines are becoming very popular, | | | | compounds in order to keep the blood supply flowing |
| thanks mainly to the fact they are now a third smaller | | | | and they prevent fitful sleep, so bagging an upgrade to |
| than they were a few years ago and therefore easier | | | | flat-beds in business or first class is the best solution |
| to carry onboard. The machine works by pumping air | | | | for frequent travelers; but that is an expensive option |
| through a mask, keeping the user's airways open while | | | | that many bosses will not sanction. |
| they sleep, preventing sleep apnea and other similar | | | | So, while frequent travelers may have trouble sleeping |
| ailments. | | | | while they fly, they should be able to catch up using |
| Other frequent travelers resort to alcohol in an attempt | | | | one of their numerous free night's accommodation |
| to bring on sleep. According to the N Y Times one | | | | acquired through their hotel reward scheme |
| un-named passenger on an 18-hour flight to Asia said: "I | | | | memberships; either that, or beg their boss for an |
| watched two movies, ate three meals, got drunk twice, | | | | upgrade to business or first class while they fly! |