Too true. This is the best policy, but no matter the class of service, here are my strategies:

1. On a redeye, I eat before I get on the plane and use absolutely all available time for sleeping (no reading, snacks, movies, etc.). NO ALCOHOL, and no pills. I just put the eyeshades on and earplugs in and sit there until I get so bored that I fall asleep.

2. To sleep on the plane, I always use earplugs, eyeshades, a blanket, and the key--the inflatable neck pillow. I swear by this thing, which looks ridiculous but works like magic. If you can stand it (I can't), sit in a middle or window seat so nobody wakes you up to climb over you.

3. When I get to my destination, I take a shower and change my clothes. Then I stay up until bedtime in that location, no matter how wrecked I am. A quick nap is OK if I'm absolutely passing out, but that's it.

All this works for me. I often do the PHL-LHR redeye (which is only about 6 hours--tough because it's so short) and go straight to work in London the next day. Painful, but do-able. After one night of sleep I am totally fine.