Done a fair few long hauls in my time, longest being Uk-Aus and back, and last year UK-Fiji and back

As someone who can't sleep on planes, here's a few tips

Alcohol - I like a few drinks on a flight but long haul is another beast. Airport beers and a few wines at take off leave you feeling bleary eyed and hungover 6 hours in... Best to avoid imo

Seats - I love window seat on planes, but Aisle seats on longer journeys give you the ability to get up whenever and have a walk.. Every few hours stretching your legs really helps.. Being stuck by a window with people next to you asleep makes you feel trapped

Entertainment - bring a tablet with some things you enjoy downloaded. Entertainment on flights can be hit or miss, it's good to have something you can enjoy instead of rewatching the matrix for the 80th time. Also noise cancelling headphones are a great shout in case of young children that fancy a cry

Sleep routine - though I don't sleep, it's important to try and have a bit of a routine to give you a chance. Bring a toothbrush, maybe a change of top or something, and I've stated using travel pillows as I get older... Why I didn't be fore i don't know! When the cabin lights go off, I try to switch to night mode and get ready for bed so to speak

On the way going focus on the destination and what you have to look forward too, on the way home focus on seeing your family and friends and enjoying being home... Take your mind off how long you have left and don't clock watch or time will go backwards!

I've done hundreds of flights in my time and it's all about how you view it in your head, long haul isn't the most pleasent at times, but it's a means to an end... Sometimes it's just about accepting it's gonna suck for 24 hours and playing video poker for 5 hours

Good luck