For years, I thought jet lag was just part of the deal—an unavoidable downside to international travel. You’d land groggy, push through the fatigue, and wait for your body to catch up. In my younger years, I forced myself to sleep on flights simply because that’s what everyone else did. Back then, recovery was faster, and I didn’t give it much thought.
I also never liked traditional travel pillows—the kind that wrap awkwardly around your neck. I always found them bulky, hot & sweaty, and useless. Instead, I’d roll up a sweater behind my neck and call it good. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked well enough. About two decades ago, I stopped relying on caffeine altogether. It wasn’t easy, but I didn’t want my body to depend on a stimulant just to stay alert. Now, I simply listen to my body. When I’m tired, I rest—sometimes a short 15-minute nap is all I need to feel clear and energized for hours.
Most travel advice you hear is solid: get a window seat to avoid disruptions, bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, use an eye mask, dress in layers, follow your bedtime routine, and avoid screens before trying to sleep. These are all helpful tips—if you’re flying business or first class, where you can actually lie down. But if you’re in economy, the rules change completely. Unlike influencers who get their upgrades for free as an exchange, everyday travelers can’t even afford to fly Economy Plus.
The Reality of Sleeping in Economy Class
In coach, that slight recline ( I guess it’s better than zero recline) is not enough and therefore works against your body. Gravity pulls you into awkward slumps, especially when your muscles start to relax. This is where most travel pillows fall short. Neck pillows that only support your neck don’t address the full-body problem of upright sleep.
When you’re seated, a pillow needs to do three things at the same time:
1. Keep your body upright to prevent spinal misalignment.
2. Support your head at a natural tilt to relieve neck strain.
3. Prevent your head from falling forward or sideways.
You need a pillow that works with gravity, not against it. That’s where Bolstie changed everything for me.
Why Bolstie Works When Others Don’t
Bolstie is powered by my own clothes, rolled and packed into three bundled sections that are bendable, firm, and incredibly adaptable. I've also developed the best way to organize my clothes for optimal result with the Bolstie Packing Method. It supports my body like a wall would—only softer, adjustable, and always within reach. Whether I’m a back sleeper, side sleeper, or someone who shifts around mid-nap, Bolstie molds to how I need it, and stays in place without strapping me down to the seat.
Not only does it hold my posture upright, but it also gives my neck and head a true resting position. I don’t wake up with a kink in my neck or a sore back. And best of all, Bolstie doubles as a leg support. I place it under my knees to elevate my legs during long flights, improving circulation without needing compression socks. It’s like having a compact body pillow I can take anywhere, do anything—replacing 4 different pillows…and it fits right inside my personal item. I haven’t paid for carry-on fees for years.
My Personal Jet Lag Routine
Here’s what I actually do to reduce jet lag naturally and comfortably:
• 6 hours before my flight: I eat a light meal and give myself enough time to go to the restroom. I never fly on a full stomach—it’s the most uncomfortable way to travel.
• Onboard: I sip water slowly, eat light snacks, and avoid anything too heavy. I don’t force myself to sleep. Instead, I watch a movie or two while resting with Bolstie. My body naturally drifts off to sleep once I’m relaxed.
• Sleep in waves: I usually sleep for 2–3 hours, then my body wakes up. This is when I have more sips of water and a small bite, stretch in my seat, and ease back into another nap. It’s not forced, and I never feel groggy. As long as I get 6–8 hours of combined rest, I feel great when I land.
• Movement: I stretch in my seat every time I’m awake. Bolstie under my legs helps with circulation so well that I rarely need to stand up unless I really want to. I often skip restroom trips as I just manage my food and drink intake so they’re minimal.
• Post-flight: Once I land, I treat myself to a good meal, stay up just long enough to enjoy the first day, and then head to bed early. The next morning, I feel completely adapted to the new time zone.
Final Thoughts
Jet lag doesn’t have to feel like a battle. You just need to listen to your body and support it the right way—both in how you sleep and what tools you bring. For me, Bolstie made the biggest difference. It gave me true support in a seated position, without forcing me into awkward angles. No chemicals. No caffeine. No stress.
Just simple comfort that actually works—even in economy.
