On domestic redeyes (eastbound) within the lower 48, you can't really expect to get any decent sleep. By the time the FAs are finished bustling around with the carts (or even if they serve by hand it's disruptive to rest with all the silverwear clinking), there are only 3.5 hours left. And they will wake you up 30-45 minutes before landing.

When I'm doing my weekend quick-turn MRs to the West Coast, I usually try to sleep as long as I can the night before, then nap as much as possible on the westbound afternoon leg. That way, even after only ~3 hours of sleep on the redeye, I can be semi-functional upon return to NYC, at least long enough to get home safely and collapse onto the couch for another nap. (typically I go outbound Saturdays, return Sundays at daybreak)


Hawaii is another matter. On Hawaii midcon redeyes (like HNL-DFW/ORD), it is possible to get ~6 hours of sleep in between meal services.

Oh, and I don't use any pharmaceuticals. Here's what I do:
1) earplugs
2) BOSE QC15 headphones on top of the earplugs
3) BOSE headphones are pumping white noise from my iPhone (yes, there's an app for that, appropriately named "White Noise")
4) Tempurpedic face mask to block light


Works quite well! (incidentally, I use the same strategy in noisy overseas cities while trying to sleep in hotel rooms with thin windows/walls) Haven't taken a sleeping pill in years.