Tips for Sleeping During Long-Haul Flights

I’ve been traveling a lot recently, and the flights I take are long hauls, averaging 20+ hours of travel including layovers. I always struggle with sleeping while sitting up in economy class, which leaves me feeling tired and with swollen eyes. I don’t take sleeping pills. Any suggestions or seating plans for getting some sleep during these flights would be greatly appreciated.

This question is asked here almost daily. Check out recent topics for a lot of advice.

Zephyr said:
This question is asked here almost daily. Check out recent topics for a lot of advice.

Oops! I’m new to this thread and didn’t find the other topics relevant to my experience. I’ll explore those too! :sweat_smile:

I used to struggle to sleep on flights, but it got better when I stopped stressing about it. Now, I look forward to watching movies and reading, and if I nap, it’s a bonus. When I land, I try to stay awake until a normal bedtime.

@Blake
This is exactly what I do. I aim for evening arrivals so I can check in and go right to bed.

Second Xanax.

Window seat, Advil PM, ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones, and an eye mask or full head cover. You can also find a funny-looking eye mask that attaches to the headrest to help keep your head upright.

A quick search in this sub can provide more tips on falling asleep.

Anik said:
A quick search in this sub can provide more tips on falling asleep.

I was just going to say this! This question pops up almost every couple of days.

I’ve been using the Trtl neck pillow on 12- and 15-hour flights and found it really comfortable compared to the traditional bulbous pillows.

Chen said:
I’ve been using the Trtl neck pillow on 12- and 15-hour flights and found it really comfortable compared to the traditional bulbous pillows.

I’m in the anti-Trtl club; it was torturous for me and I ended up throwing it away at the airport.

@Luca
I agree! It felt like a constrictive turtleneck.

Chen said:
I’ve been using the Trtl neck pillow on 12- and 15-hour flights and found it really comfortable compared to the traditional bulbous pillows.

Is the Trtl pillow sturdy? I hesitated to buy it because I wasn’t sure about its support.

@Nuri
The inner plastic slats create a supportive structure. It’s flexible further up, allowing you to adjust it to your comfort. I even used it around my face on a cold flight, and my wife bought one too after seeing mine.

@Chen
Thanks for the info!

Try sleeping facing forward by using your carry-on as a pillow; sit by the window. Avoid drinks or caffeine. Use earplugs and cover your head with a scarf or shawl.

Benadryl works great for me, though I’ve never tried Xanax.

Bring a small blanket or large scarf. Try different neck supports to find one that fits you well. I prefer a memory foam one. Download some ‘brown noise’ or sleep sounds.

I also do long trips for work. I bought an ostrich neck pillow that helps. Even though I don’t get much sleep, it, along with an audiobook and ANC headphones, gives me a few hours.

Xanax.