For countless travellers, catching any meaningful rest on an aeroplane is a near-impossible challenge. Now, a simple and surprisingly affordable solution has been highlighted by a leading travel expert, promising to soothe restless muscles and encourage deeper sleep at 35,000 feet.
The £8 Secret to In-Flight Rest
Global digital director at Conde Nast Traveller, Arati Menon, has shared her go-to travel essential: magnesium butter. Costing as little as £7.99 for a travel-sized tub, this cream is being hailed as a game-changer for overnight journeys. Menon, a self-confessed restless sleeper who avoids ingesting sleep aids, was persuaded by an Instagram advertisement promising more restful sleep and began applying the butter to her feet and calves.
"I’ve been using it ever since," Menon wrote, "and I definitely feel like my sleep has improved." She added that even if it doesn't completely banish jet lag, the ritual offers reassurance and a comforting piece of home while abroad. The science behind it is sound: magnesium is known to help calm the nervous system, which in turn can promote relaxation and sleep.
How to Use It and Get It Through Security
Application is straightforward: simply massage the cream into areas like the feet, neck, or body before attempting to sleep. For travellers, its practicality is a major bonus. Brands such as NEOM, BetterYou, and Feather & Down offer compact, travel-friendly sizes. Crucially, these small tubs are typically under 100ml, meaning they can be carried in your hand luggage through airport security without issue.
For those checking in a bag, larger bottles can be packed without worrying about liquid restrictions. This makes magnesium butter a versatile and accessible option for all types of travellers seeking a better night's rest in the sky.
Other Proven Strategies for Plane Sleep
While magnesium butter offers a novel aid, it works best as part of a broader sleep strategy for long-haul travel. Seasoned flyers recommend several other effective methods:
- Book red-eye flights: Opting for overnight departures that arrive in the morning aligns with your body's natural urge to sleep.
- Invest in comfort: Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and using noise-cancelling headphones can dramatically improve your environment.
- Upgrade your eye mask: The complimentary masks provided on planes are often thin and leak light. A high-quality, contoured sleep mask is a worthy investment.
- Walk before you fly: Taking a brisk 30-minute walk around the airport terminal before boarding can help tire your body and increase your chances of nodding off.
Sleeping upright in economy class may never be easy, but with clever, budget-conscious preparations like magnesium butter, the journey can become significantly more restful. For under a tenner, it's a hack worth packing on your next adventure.
