Why Does Flying Make You Tired? 4 Common Reasons

Why does flying make you tired when you spend most of the flight sitting down? Getting through security, finding your gate and carrying luggage through the airport can wear you out before the plane even takes off. But the flight itself can also contribute to fatigue.

Changes in cabin pressure, dry air, interrupted sleep and travel stress may all affect how you feel when you land. Here are four common reasons flying makes you tired, plus a few simple ways to arrive feeling more refreshed.

Why Does Flying Make You Tired? Four Common Causes

1. Lower Cabin Pressure

   Commercial airplanes are pressurized, but the cabin is not maintained at the same pressure you experience at sea level. At cruising altitude, cabin pressure commonly feels more like being several thousand feet above sea level.
   
   The percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same, but lower air pressure means your body takes in slightly less oxygen with each breath. For most healthy travelers, the change is mild and safe. Still, it may contribute to sleepiness, headaches, or a general feeling of fatigue, especially during a long flight.
   
   There is no way to control cabin pressure yourself, but arriving well rested and limiting alcohol may help you feel better during and after the flight. Travelers with heart or lung conditions, anemia or other health concerns should ask a healthcare professional whether they need to take any special precautions before flying.
   

2. Dry Cabin Air and Dehydration

   Aircraft cabins typically have very low humidity, often around 10% to 20%. That dry air can leave your eyes, skin, nose, and throat feeling uncomfortable. It can also be easy to drink less water than usual when you are trying to avoid repeated trips to the restroom.
   
   While cabin air does not automatically cause severe dehydration, starting your trip underhydrated, or replacing water with alcohol, can make headaches and tiredness worse.
   
   Bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it before boarding. Sip water throughout the flight, particularly on longer trips, and consider limiting alcohol because it can interfere with both hydration and sleep.
   

3. Poor Sleep and Changes to Your Body Clock

   Sleeping on a plane is rarely as restorative as sleeping in a bed. Noise, light, an upright seat, limited space, and cabin interruptions can prevent you from getting deep, continuous rest. An early departure or overnight flight may also cut into the sleep you would normally get at home.
   
   If you cross multiple time zones, jet lag can add another layer of fatigue. Jet lag occurs when your internal body clock is out of sync with the local time at your destination. In addition to daytime sleepiness, it can cause difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and changes in mood or digestion.
   
   For a more comfortable flight, pack an eye mask, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones. When traveling across time zones, begin following the destination’s schedule as soon as practical. Light exposure, meals, and sleep timed to the new location can help your body adjust.
   

4. The Physical and Mental Stress of Travel

   Flying often involves more than the hours spent in the air. Packing, driving to the airport, waiting in security lines, navigating a crowded terminal, and worrying about delays can all take a toll. Stress keeps your body alert, and the letdown after reaching your destination can make the exhaustion feel even stronger.
   
   Long periods of sitting can also leave you feeling stiff and sluggish. When it is safe to do so, stand up periodically, walk through the cabin, and gently move your feet and legs while seated. Travelers with health conditions or an elevated risk of blood clots should consult a healthcare professional for individualized advice.
   
   You can also reduce some of the physical work before the trip begins. Check in online, give yourself enough time at the airport, and keep important travel documents easy to reach.

How to Feel Less Tired After Flying

A few basic habits can make air travel more comfortable:

• Get a full night of sleep before your departure when possible.
• Drink water before and during the flight.
• Limit alcohol, particularly if you plan to sleep.
• Pack an eye mask, neck pillow, and earplugs or headphones.
• Move and stretch periodically during longer flights.
• Follow the local meal and sleep schedule after arrival.
• Spend time outdoors after landing to help your body adjust to the local time.
• Give yourself time to rest before scheduling demanding activities.

Make Travel Less Tiring with Ship&Play

So, why does flying make you tired? It is usually not one single factor, but a combination of cabin conditions, dry air, disrupted sleep, and the demands of travel. You may not be able to change the cabin pressure or eliminate jet lag, but you can avoid hauling heavy bags through the airport. Ship&Play picks up your luggage, boxes, and select sporting equipment from your home, office, or hotel and delivers them to your destination.

With fewer bags to check, carry, and retrieve, you can move through the airport more easily and focus on the trip ahead. Get a quote and ship your luggage before your next flight.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Does Flying Make You Tired?