Why can't you sleep during takeoff and landing?

Why Can’t You Sleep During Takeoff and Landing? It’s All About the Pressure

The gentle hum of the engines, the rhythmic rocking of the aircraft… it all seems so conducive to sleep. Yet, many find themselves inexplicably alert during takeoff and landing, despite feeling drowsy during the smoother parts of the flight. The reason isn’t simply a matter of nerves; it’s largely physiological. The culprit? Cabin pressure and its effect on your ears.

As an aircraft ascends and descends, the rapid changes in altitude cause significant fluctuations in cabin pressure. This pressure differential creates a vacuum effect in the middle ear, a small air-filled space behind the eardrum. This vacuum can manifest as uncomfortable pressure, a feeling often described as fullness or pain in the ears. Think of it like a balloon – as the external air pressure decreases during ascent, the pressure inside the balloon (your middle ear) remains higher, creating a stretching sensation. The opposite occurs during descent.

While your body has mechanisms to naturally equalize this pressure – through the Eustachian tubes that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat – these mechanisms work optimally when you’re awake and consciously engaging them. Swallowing, yawning, or even chewing gum helps open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow in or out, equalizing the pressure and relieving the discomfort.

When you’re asleep, these natural equalization processes are less effective. Your body’s reflexes are slowed, and you’re less likely to instinctively swallow or yawn to alleviate the pressure buildup. This can lead to a more pronounced and potentially painful feeling of pressure in your ears, which can disrupt your sleep and even wake you up.

Beyond the simple discomfort, a significant pressure imbalance can also cause temporary hearing loss or even damage to the eardrum in extreme cases. Therefore, staying awake during takeoff and landing isn’t just about comfort; it’s about actively managing a potentially problematic physiological response to altitude changes.

Of course, anxiety and excitement can also contribute to alertness during these crucial phases of flight. However, the underlying physiological pressure imbalance plays a significant role in why so many people find it difficult, if not impossible, to sleep during takeoff and landing. So, next time you’re on a flight, remember that your body is working hard to adjust to the changing pressures, and staying awake gives it the best chance to do so comfortably and safely.