Two important reasons not to sleep during takeoff and landing of an airplane

For some travelers, boarding an airplane is a good excuse to grab a pillow and catch up on their sleep. And while there's nothing wrong with that, there are a few reasons why you shouldn't nap during takeoff and landing.

According to Travel+Leisure, it is undesirable to take a nap during an airplane flight, especially during takeoff, runway approach, and landing, as these phases are more prone to mechanical complications or anomalies. This information was reported by mentalfloss.com.

If you are asleep and suddenly wake up, you will be less cognitively prepared to follow instructions or take action in the event of an emergency.

The second reason, though relatively trivial, is still important. Ascent and descent are when airplane passengers may experience discomfort in their ears due to changes in cabin pressure. Known as ear barotrauma, this occurs when a sudden change in air pressure puts stress on the eustachian tubes, which run from the middle ear to the throat and help regulate air movement.

By staying awake on an airplane, you can take steps to avoid ear barotrauma, such as faking a yawn, and be prepared to take any necessary action if something goes wrong. If you feel like taking a nap, wait until you reach cruising altitude.