Many people have a love/hate relationship with flying. They love the part of getting there, but often hate what it takes to get there, whether it's going through security, layovers, or turbulent flights. Catching some shut eye on a long flight can be one of the biggest challenges of a long flight. Mixed with jet lag, that can make for a long first couple of days in a new destination. However, there are some things you can do to help you sleep better on your next flight.

Take an overnight flight: While most people fly first thing in the morning or early in the day, if you want to get some shut eye, than book a late night flight. The lights are turned down and there's less activity by flight attendants to help make it the right environment for getting some shut eye. If you're lucky, you might even have an entire row to yourself.

Book a window seat: There's nothing more embarrassing than being in a middle seat and falling asleep on the shoulder of one of your neighbors. Being in a window seat can help ensure this doesn't happen. Not to mention that you won't be getting nudged every time somebody needs to get up to go to the bathroom.

Bring your own pillow: Airplane pillows can often leave much to be desired. Most airlines don't even offer pillows as a free amenity and the ones you have to pay for aren't going to be like that fluffy pillow you have back home. It may take buying a couple different types of pillows to find the right one, but having a good pillow that can fit into your carry-on can bring more comfortable sleep on a long flight.

Noise-canceling headphones: Headphones can be effective, but it often doesn't drown out the airplane noise, announcements, and chatter around you. Invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones that can help lull you to sleep and block out everything around you. If listening to music on the plane isn't your thing, grab a pair of ear plugs before you board your flight.

Have a couple drinks: Not a few, but a couple. The last thing your seatmates want is someone who has to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes because they had too much to drink. Consider having a glass of wine an hour before your flight and then one drink on-board. Just remember to go the bathroom before you board so you don't bother your neighbors throughout the flight to run to the bathroom.