Can you sleep through a plane landing?

The Myth of Sleeping Through Landing: Why You Shouldn’t Even Try

Air travel. For many, it’s a necessary evil, a tedious journey punctuated by cramped seating and questionable in-flight meals. The allure of a blissful slumber during the flight is strong, especially on long-haul journeys. But is it truly possible to sleep soundly through the entire flight, including landing? And more importantly, should you even try? The short answer is: no, and for good reason.

The widely held belief that you can simply “sleep it off” throughout a flight, including landing, ignores a crucial safety aspect and overlooks a significant physiological reality. While a restful flight is undeniably desirable, prioritizing sleep above awareness during critical phases of the journey is a gamble with potential consequences.

The primary reason why you shouldn’t aim to sleep through landing hinges on the pressure changes your body experiences during descent. As the plane descends, the cabin pressure gradually increases to match the ambient pressure at lower altitudes. This change affects the delicate pressure balance in your ears, potentially leading to discomfort or even pain. This is often known as ear popping or barotrauma. While many techniques exist to mitigate this discomfort (yawning, swallowing, or using nasal decongestants), remaining alert allows you to employ these methods proactively and efficiently. If you’re asleep, you might miss the onset of ear pain and struggle to alleviate it, leading to an unpleasant and potentially even painful experience.

Beyond the personal discomfort, there’s a critical safety consideration. The period surrounding takeoff and landing is statistically the most risky part of any flight. While extremely rare, unforeseen circumstances can arise requiring immediate passenger response. Airlines emphasize passenger alertness during these crucial times for a reason. Sleeping through a critical announcement or a sudden change in cabin atmosphere could compromise both your safety and the safety of others. Your ability to quickly react to instructions or assist fellow passengers is compromised when you’re asleep.

Furthermore, the seemingly minor discomfort of slightly elevated cabin pressure is a small price to pay for ensuring your well-being. The potential for more serious issues related to unaddressed ear pain or the inability to respond to safety directives far outweighs the desire for uninterrupted sleep during the relatively short duration of ascent and descent.

In conclusion, while a restful flight is a welcome experience, aiming for uninterrupted sleep throughout the entire journey is ill-advised. Prioritizing alertness during takeoff and landing, even if it means sacrificing a few minutes of sleep, is crucial for both personal comfort and overall safety. Consider a short nap during the steadier cruising altitude, but always ensure you’re awake and aware during the critical stages of your flight. Your comfort and safety depend on it.