Sleeping in economy on a long-haul flight requires a combination of "strategic gear" and physical preparation. First, choose your seat wisely: a window seat provides a wall to lean against and prevents you from being woken up by seatmates needing the restroom. Invest in a high-quality neck pillow—many travelers in 2026 swear by the "wrap-around" style that prevents head-bobbing. Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to drown out engine drone and cabin chatter. To aid your body's natural sleep cycle, wear loose, breathable layers and compression socks to keep circulation flowing. Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before boarding, and consider using a silk eye mask to block out the cabin's ambient light. If you find it hard to settle, a light, over-the-counter sleep aid (if approved by your doctor) can help, but the key is to stay hydrated and buckle your seatbelt over your blanket so flight attendants don't have to wake you for turbulence checks.