I have taken the subway for long distances for the past several years, I thought I would shed some knowledge on the most effect way to catch some z’s while riding the rocket. But first I must outline some preliminary techniques that you must master in order for these tips to be effective:
“Dipped Head Technique”
When I see most people trying to sleep on the subway they try to keep their heads perfectly upright. This is wrong and inefficient. You have no dignity when you are sleeping so don’t try to act like you’re just resting your eyes cause everyone knows you’re sleeping. Also, all that head bobbing is quite embarrassing.
This technique involves dropping your head down as fast as it will go so that it is in a semi-locked position. Doing so prevents forward and backwards movement as well as minimizes side to side swaying.
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Top 5 Places sleep on the TTC
5. Standing against the back door
Not many people realize that you can lean against the doors that connect each subway car to each other. The fact is nobody ever goes through there except for the occasional operator or crazy person. You are able to stand there without the need to move as you would if you were standing next to the actual passenger doors. Sleeping in this location is difficult as you are standing, but it is far superior to having to sleep while hanging on to a pole.
4. Sitting against the glass
The probability of acquiring this seat is usually quite high given each subway car has about 12 of them. I’m referring to the seat that is adjacent to the sliding doors. Most people are content in leaning their head against the side of the glass. However, one must be aware of the amount of residual ‘head-grease’ that is left over from previous passengers. Essential equipment for this seat is a hat. Risks involved are head smashing against glass or falling on the shoulder of the passenger opposite glass due to subway stopping and going.
3. The outside seat on the pair facing forwards or backwards
76% of comfortable and uninterrupted sleep on the TTC pretty much hinges one thing - bearing (a person’s way of standing or moving). Part of the pain of the TTC is that it is constantly stopping or accelerating which makes for a very jerky ride. With all this sudden movement you are prone to lean against flanking passengers which makes for a very awkward situations.
The best way to avoid this is to position your bearing to face forwards or backwards. Although seat #3 does not protect you from being interrupted by passengers getting off, it saves you from swaying side to side because the movement of the subway can only affect you in one way if you are using the “dipped head technique”.
2. The inside seat facing the direction of the subway
This seat is basically the same as #3 except that you have the inside seat. This position prevents you from being waken up by passengers getting off the train.
1. The inside seat facing opposite the direction of the subway
The throne of subway seats, I have used this position to fall asleep uninterrupted from start to destination. The reason why the opposite is better than the alternative is because the greatest “jerk-force” is created when the subway stops. Your body facing away from the direction to subway is moving helps your resist movement because the back of your seat prevents mobility. Using “dipped head” technique you can avoid your head swinging backwards as well. All of which makes for a comfortable ride/sleep.