Long haul flight

[Machakos]

In couple of weeks, DH and I are doing an 11 hour flight, arriving at our destination in the morning. I don't sleep on flights, so end up exhausted with the time difference. Is there anything I can take, or do, so I can sleep on the plane?

Glass of wine and a Valium?!

I can't sleep on planes but follow the tips for jet lag -

• switch your watch to your new time zone as soon as on plane
• lots of sun
• drink lots of water on the plane
• anchor your sleep to your new time zone so nap if you need to but get the longest stretch when it's night there

We went to Mexico in May and I did this and it was pretty ok

My top tip (I fly a lot) is to pretend to be asleep. Get a decent neck pillow - I find the memory foam ones better than the bean bag ones - put the airline pillow in the small of your back. Wear ear plugs and a face mask, sit back, stretch your legs straight in front of you as far as you can, and fake being asleep. Even when I know I didn't really drop off, I always feel much much better after spending the flight like this than if I had squirmed around or watched movies or whatever. i don't bother with pills, as they don't seem to make any difference. Oh, and for me it makes a big difference not to drink a drop of anything alcoholic.

Have a nap when you arrive - I don't think it makes a jot of difference to how long it takes you to acclimatise.

Loads of water, no booze and phenergan does the trick for me.

Pretending to fall asleep is a good one. I do this and have actually started sleeping much more often on flights. Don't let your brain have any distractions.

Also look at sleep hypnosis soundtracks.

A couple of piriton would knock me out, might help?

Agree with pretending to sleep. Although nothing really works for me. I fly overnight to SA but as there is little time difference my body clock isn't affected.

Enjoy your trip.

Agree with Thumbwitch - piriton does it for me every time.

Try antihistamines - work wonders.

Don't start the flight with any sleep deprivation. Wine on the flight is often only thing that helps me kip at all, and even 20 minutes can help a lot.

TO AVOID DVT ON A LONG FLIGHT YOU NEED TO GET OFF YOUR SEAT EVERY HOUR AND WALK DOWN THE CABIN FOR A MINUTE/GO TO THE LOO