Overnight flights are actually statistically less likely to be turbulent than daytime flights. This is because turbulence is often caused by "convective" air currents—warm air rising from the Earth's surface as it is heated by the sun. At night, the ground cools down, and the atmosphere generally becomes more stable. However, "clear air turbulence" caused by jet streams and atmospheric pressure changes can occur at any hour. In 2026, many long-haul aircraft are equipped with advanced "Lidar" sensors that help pilots detect invisible turbulence in the dark. While the ride is often smoother, the psychological effect of a "bump" in a dark, quiet cabin can make it feel more intense. Pilots still recommend keeping your seatbelt fastened loosely even while sleeping, as the smoothest night can still encounter an unexpected pocket of unstable air without warning.