A travel napping hack that has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram is causing concern among health and safety experts. The hack, which involves lifting your feet from the floor to the seat, strapping them down with the seatbelt, and lowering your head onto your knees, has been widely shared by travelers who are testing it on aircraft and posting their experiences online.
One user described the hack as “life changing,” but experts warn that it is not only ineffective but also dangerous and potentially harmful to the body.
Safety Concerns
“It’s not suggested to sit this way because if there is rough air, you can jolt forward or up and down, risking injuries,” said Jasmine Khadija, a mainline flight attendant with two years of experience. “In case of an emergency evacuation, it’s strongly advised to avoid any trip hazards, including belts and straps of any kind around the feet area.”
Health experts also caution that while this position may seem comfortable for some, it does not support the body properly for rest and can lead to several issues.
Health Risks
“This position doesn’t allow your body to relax fully and can cause discomfort due to the awkward curvature of your spine and the strain it puts on your neck,” explained Dr. Chelsea Perry, lead clinician and owner of Sleep Solutions. She added that this position could also cause circulation issues. “While it might work for a quick nap, it’s not ideal for longer periods.”
Cali Bahrenfuss, CCSH, RPSGT, clinical sleep health educator and owner of Delta Sleep Coaching, agreed, highlighting the potential for injuries and discomfort. “Any slight turbulence may cause your head to bump your knees, possibly causing an injury, and the forward head position can lead to neck cramps and headaches,” she said. “Having your head resting on your knees can also create a pinched or disrupted airway, leading to snoring or difficulty breathing properly while sleeping.”
Best Practices for In-Flight Rest
Both sleep experts recommend resting in a normal seated position with your legs forward, slightly elevated if possible, and either slightly reclined or with your head to the side. This position is better for the body and increases the likelihood of restful sleep. They also encourage changing positions, particularly moving the legs, to improve circulation and maintain comfort.
Khadija also pointed out that this TikTok hack might not be feasible during a flight, as flight attendants often instruct passengers to sit properly. “We’ll ask and advise not to sit that way,” she said.
Conclusion
In summary, while the viral napping hack might appear attractive online, it poses significant health and safety risks. Experts strongly advise against attempting it and recommend sticking to more traditional and safe methods for in-flight rest. It seems best to leave this particular hack on social media.