Originally Posted by
RichardInSF
I think the reason why even premium class air travel isn't like being in a hotel is the sound of the engines, combined with jetlag (on a flight crossing timezones). Ear plugs and sound reducing headsets help but are, in themselves, a reminder that it's not a natural setting for good sleep. I call what I get on most long haul flights "airplane sleep" as opposed to "real sleep."
I agree with you about "airplane sleep," though I find that the NC phones or in-ear phones work very well, particularly when combined with familiar music. I consider myself to be doing well if I wake up and have to think, "Where am I? Oh, yeah, on a plane." That counts for me as real sleep. Usually, though, I wake up and think, "Where's the call button -- I'll order another screwdriver."