Ambien is classed with medications such as Halcion (sp?). I know it is touted as being 'safe', but it is a major tranquilizer, and I would recommend caution to anyone contemplating using it. You probably already know that you should NOT mix this class of drugs with alchohol.

I used to do the antihystamine thing, but though it's fairly effective, it compounds the dry air problems such as dehydration and susceptibility to picking up a bug in the recycled air.

I take Soma/carasiprodol (muscle relaxant) and it is very effective, more so when taken with an otc sleeing pill. I also do the 'stay up all night packing' thing, and usually can't keep my eyes open through the meal service anyway.

As an added caution, times when I've really knocked myself out, I really suffered from not getting up to stretch my legs and exercise my poor swollen ankles (recommended every 2 hrs at least), and not drinking enough water.

[This message has been edited by tigertiger (edited 06-15-2001).]