The summer holidays are fast approaching and if you're one of the many millions of Brits planning on heading overseas, there's one important thing you need to know. For those lucky enough to beflying long haul, getting any sleep on the flights is often seen as an impossible task - but that's not necessarily the truth.

Sherry Peters, an international flight attendant of 27 years and founder of Atlas + Wild has shared her top tips for managing to sleep on flights - and a lot of it comes down to where you sit. She said: "Seats near the galley or toilets are the absolute worst if you're trying to sleep. There's constant foot traffic, people queuing, lavatory doors slamming, and constant crew activity, it's almost impossible to get uninterrupted rest."

She recommends getting a seat as far away from this section as possible - and if you can, try to secure a window seat for a better chance at some rest.

She said: "Being next to the window gives you much more control over your environment, which is key to falling asleep.

"You can close the shade, lean against the wall for support, and avoid being elbowed by people passing in the aisle. It's one of the closest things to a controlled sleep environment on a plane, even if you only have one or two hours, it makes a huge difference."

Peters said that many travellers make the mistake of thinking sleep will just come naturally - but when you're cramped in an economy seat, you need to work to make yourself fall asleep.

There are a few things you can do to trick your brain though. She said: "Most people blame jet lag or the flight itself, but often it comes down to how to control your environment and if you are staying hydrated.

"I may not be able to control the time of day, but I can control noise and light by closing the window shades and using noise-cancelling headsets. I may not be able to control that I'm surrounded by 300 people who are wide awake, but I can control how much I get jostled. That's how I trick my body into thinking it's time to sleep, even mid-flight."

By closing the shade as soon as the plane has taken off, using an eye mask and a neck pillow, you can minimise light and maximise comfort. Having a window seat means you can lean against the wall for a more comfortable position, and hopefully manage a few hours of shut eye.

Peters said: "Even if I only have one, two, or three hours, every minute matters. I use various strategies to maximise rest wherever I am, planes, trains and hotels."