Trying to get sleep on planes can be a nightmare (Creative Commons/Flickr user Mikey Miley).

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, most of you are probably dreading the flight home, especially for those that have to travel internationally. Let's start with the essential items to ensure a smooth sleep:

1) Comfortable Clothes

No one can sleep in tight jeans or tight tops. Opt for more loose clothing that will enable movement and will let you move your leg up on the seat or your head down on the tray table. Also, wear multiple layers. This will allow you to adjust to the temperature of the plane, which can often be on opposite ends of the spectrum.

2) Pillow and Blanket

If you're already carrying a lot of luggage with you and can't spare room for a proper pillow, buy an inflatable one that you can stow away and blow up when needed. A neck pillow can also be purchased at the airport, and they are perfect for those head-nodders. A simple fleece blanket will keep you warm when the cabin temperature is low, and is also easy to pack away after the flight.

3) A Light Snack

Eating a little snack before you go to sleep will make you feel full but not bloated, and will help you ease into sleep easier.

4) Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You might think it's a little weird to brush your teeth in the lavatory, but according to an article on USA Today, brushing your teeth right before you want to sleep on a plane will tell your body that it's time to sleep. This is due to your routine of brushing your teeth before you go to bed at home.

Now that you have the essentials at hand, it's time to find the most comfortable positions that will help you get that beauty sleep. 

1) The Good Ol' Head Lean

If you have a window seat, then this is the go-to. To get an even more comfortable sleeping position, extend your legs as far under the seat in front of you as you can, so your body is as straight as possible. 

2) Head on the Tray Table

If you are short enough to comfortably bend your back, this is a great position that will take pressure off your head. Take your neck pillow, place it on the tray table in front of you, and wrap your arms around the pillow before resting your head on the pillow. Snooze away!

3) In a Ball

A common trick to relieve nausea when traveling is to put your head between your knees, so this position works not only as a sleep position but also as anti-nausea protection. Cross your legs for some elevation, tuck in your arms, and rest your head on your knees.

4) Recline

Purchase a travel pillow to help you sleep (Creative Commons/Flickr user RobotSkirts).

5) Vertical Ball-Up

The name implies exactly what it is: you ball up while you are sitting up. Lean up sideways against the reclined seat and swing your legs over the seat. Note: this only works on the window seat, because you are almost guaranteed to be hit by passengers or crew members if you swing your legs into the aisle. 

6) The Bed

If you are lucky enough to have a full row to yourself, use the space to fully lie down. Using your blanket and pillow, you're almost lying in a bed as good as the one at home.

7) For the Gutsy

If you are comfortable around people or are flying with a friend, cuddle up with your neighbor. Lean on them, put your head on their shoulder or ask for permission to drape your legs. 

8) Another Ball

This works very well for some, while others find that their feet slip off the seat. Put your feet up on your seat, wrap your arms around your knees and rest your head onto your knees. Once again, the pressure is released from your head and you won't find yourself waking up to your head nodding. 

If none of these positions work for you, you might need some extra help. Have your doctor prescribe you a sleeping pill, and stay away from caffeine at least two hours prior to your flight. Bring ear plugs or noise canceling headphones with you, and an eye mask to block out all light from the plane. Most importantly: hydrate throughout the flight! If you don't want to feel heavy and dirty after the flight, water will help you feel more energetic and awake, even after a restless sleep. 

Reach Staff Reporter Beatrice Verhoeven here. Follow her on Twitter.