Cure Me: You couldn't sleep on long flights, then you found the cure...
Jul 17, 2015, 4:09 pm
#61
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 208
So much of sleep is psychological, which is why I think so many people swear by melatonin and take it nightly, but if you look around at credible sources,i.e. doctors and scientists it really doesn't make much sense to take it daily, or at a high dose.
I find that taking a (regular) does of any OTC cold/flu pills of the "nightime" variety does the trick.
Since my nose blocks up during flights, the decongestant is a welcome bonus :-)
I use a neck pillow so don't tend to end up with my head on my seatmate's shoulder, except on those cases when I'm seated next to King Kong and his shoulder and my head are close proximity anyhow.
Since my nose blocks up during flights, the decongestant is a welcome bonus :-)
I use a neck pillow so don't tend to end up with my head on my seatmate's shoulder, except on those cases when I'm seated next to King Kong and his shoulder and my head are close proximity anyhow.
I find I sleep badly (as in waking up a lot and having difficulty getting back to sleep) even on flights with flat beds. I am a bit wary of sleeping tablets for various reasons so have stopped taking them.
But I have recently discovered something that works for me: anti-histamines. I take an old-style anti-histamine (the type that warns you about drowsiness as a side effect and tells you not to use heavy machinery
) after I board and find the quality of my sleep is very much improved.
I'm sure this isn't the ultimate answer for everyone (though I do feel like I should be in one of those ads that say "Drug companies hate him - look at this funny old trick that costs a few cents and puts you to sleep safely and quickly"
) but it has really benefited me and it is cheap, easy (no prescriptions) and has minimal side effects. Well, there is one: I wake up with no blocked nose!
But I have recently discovered something that works for me: anti-histamines. I take an old-style anti-histamine (the type that warns you about drowsiness as a side effect and tells you not to use heavy machinery
) after I board and find the quality of my sleep is very much improved. I'm sure this isn't the ultimate answer for everyone (though I do feel like I should be in one of those ads that say "Drug companies hate him - look at this funny old trick that costs a few cents and puts you to sleep safely and quickly"
) but it has really benefited me and it is cheap, easy (no prescriptions) and has minimal side effects. Well, there is one: I wake up with no blocked nose!
Jul 17, 2015, 6:39 pm
#62
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Programs: American Airlines British Airways
Posts: 1,752
Assuming an afternoon or evening departure just tell yourself, no matter what time the aircraft departs, that it is bedtime. Therefore, you are now sleepy. Then go to sleep.
Ambien or an antihistamine can be used to help convince the mind to sleep.
Ambien or an antihistamine can be used to help convince the mind to sleep.
Jul 17, 2015, 8:39 pm
#63
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Taking Melatonin every night really does nothing unless you have some shortcoming with your pituitary gland (or whatever glad produces melatonin, I can't remember!). Also, keep in mind that 10mg is a monster dose - the actual production of melatonin in the body a few hundred micrograms at most.
Jul 17, 2015, 10:37 pm
#64
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa
Programs: Delta Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, All on my own dime.
Posts: 5,182
On the other hand...
Men of "a certain age" who might be having difficulties, or about to have, with everyone's favorite gland, the prostate, should be careful when using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for, well, anything. It's been known to enlarge the prostate so much that if completely cuts off flow, resulting in catheterization.
Jul 31, 2015, 3:38 pm
#67
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: AA, HH, UA, Amtrak
Posts: 270
I read through the first page, but could nt go through beyond that with many Ambien recommendations.
One option that has worked for me is to sleep less the two nights before, but also increase the amount of physical activity.
It can be anything like tennis, walking, running, cardio class etc.. but do a longer stretch if convenient on the day of flight or the day before.
However, there may be something more deeper (psychological) that is worth exploring.
Although I sleep well on planes, trains, even buses... but if I had a big presentation the next morning, I didn't sleep the same length of time. But then I evaluated several factors regarding that and identified specific anxiety triggers. So it is better now.
One option that has worked for me is to sleep less the two nights before, but also increase the amount of physical activity.
It can be anything like tennis, walking, running, cardio class etc.. but do a longer stretch if convenient on the day of flight or the day before.
However, there may be something more deeper (psychological) that is worth exploring.
Although I sleep well on planes, trains, even buses... but if I had a big presentation the next morning, I didn't sleep the same length of time. But then I evaluated several factors regarding that and identified specific anxiety triggers. So it is better now.
Jul 31, 2015, 9:26 pm
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
Try AdvilPM
My DW bought a bottle of AdvilPM (Advil & an antihistamine) and the first night I tried it (at home, two tabs) I slept for 7+ hours. That hasn't happened to this old man in years. Can't wait to try this on my next long flight. YMMV or course.
Aug 1, 2015, 1:11 pm
#70
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 312
I searched FT, but while learning how others regularly fall asleep on flights is kind of helpful, I need to know how non-sleepers found a cure.
I do a once a year 24 hour travel/16 hours flying time trip. I am awake the entire time.... a lone person, in the dark, in a sea of sleeping people. I arrive a total wreck and greet my excited, talkative, welcoming extended in-law family like a barely-walking zombie.
I have tried:
No caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate, teas, nothing) 24 hours before flight.
Melatonine
Bringing my own travel pillow and blankie.
Using a travel pillow and a neck pillow.
Tylenol PM
I can't:
Use a window seat, because I get restless leg syndrome being trapped in there. I prefer an aisle seat.
Spend a ton of $$$ on Bose earphones
Do any of you experts- who have had trouble sleeping on long flights- have any suggestions for me? I would be really grateful. My upcoming annual trip is coming up in 2 weeks and I am dreading it. Thank you!
I do a once a year 24 hour travel/16 hours flying time trip. I am awake the entire time.... a lone person, in the dark, in a sea of sleeping people. I arrive a total wreck and greet my excited, talkative, welcoming extended in-law family like a barely-walking zombie.
I have tried:
No caffeine (coffee, soda, chocolate, teas, nothing) 24 hours before flight.
Melatonine
Bringing my own travel pillow and blankie.
Using a travel pillow and a neck pillow.
Tylenol PM
I can't:
Use a window seat, because I get restless leg syndrome being trapped in there. I prefer an aisle seat.
Spend a ton of $$$ on Bose earphones
Do any of you experts- who have had trouble sleeping on long flights- have any suggestions for me? I would be really grateful. My upcoming annual trip is coming up in 2 weeks and I am dreading it. Thank you!
I wear compression socks on long flights. I pack a warm fleece plus a fleece blanket plus a silk sleeping bag liner (this is tiny, about the size of a large can of fruit, but it gives a lot of warmth). I have a couple of glasses of wine or a scotch, but I don't overdo it on the booze. I use an eyemask. I don't use earplugs or drugs because I get anxious if I lose too much sensory input.
Aug 1, 2015, 4:09 pm
#71
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: ABI/DFW
Programs: AA1MM;AA EXP;Hilton HHonors Gold; Hertz Gold; Emerald Club; Admirals Club;
Posts: 29
Several suggestions that work in combination
I'm AA Executive Platinum, so I spend a significant amount of time on long haul (12+ hours) flights. Here are the things I find that work for me.
Get up very early the day of departure. Think 4AM and finish packing. You do not say what time your normal departure is or if you are in coach or Business class. I'm guessing coach.
We do this for flights that leave around 6PM+. Eat your meal, read some, whatever you normally do before you go to sleep. I've heard using the computer is bad and stimulates your brain to "wake-up". I'm not sure about watching a movie on the plane though. It doesn't bother me. Get an eye mask and use insertable iPod earplugs. Download a white noise APP turn it on and plug in.Take 2-3 mgs of Ambien. At most 5 msg and ONLY if you are male, can you risk taking 5 mgs. (Women metabolize it differently and they must take a significantly lower dose- 1-2mgs.) NOT 10 mgs!! I agree with the FA's. It has a 4 hour half-life, meaning half of it is out of your system in 4 hours. It also means if there is an emergency, you can shake it off and wake up to deal with circumstances. Another med that works for some of my friends is Xanax 0.5 mg. This drug is short acting but effective. It is also HIGHLY addictive. So take only a couple with you. One for each direction. It goes without saying, no alcohol. That inhibits sleep and can interact with either of these meds. Drink lots of water on that length trip you are at risk for DVT. Also try to find a gadget called a "First Class Sleeper." It's inflatable and you sit on it. It supports your neck and lower back to make those tiny coach seats just a wee bit more comfortable. Good luck!
Get up very early the day of departure. Think 4AM and finish packing. You do not say what time your normal departure is or if you are in coach or Business class. I'm guessing coach.
We do this for flights that leave around 6PM+. Eat your meal, read some, whatever you normally do before you go to sleep. I've heard using the computer is bad and stimulates your brain to "wake-up". I'm not sure about watching a movie on the plane though. It doesn't bother me. Get an eye mask and use insertable iPod earplugs. Download a white noise APP turn it on and plug in.Take 2-3 mgs of Ambien. At most 5 msg and ONLY if you are male, can you risk taking 5 mgs. (Women metabolize it differently and they must take a significantly lower dose- 1-2mgs.) NOT 10 mgs!! I agree with the FA's. It has a 4 hour half-life, meaning half of it is out of your system in 4 hours. It also means if there is an emergency, you can shake it off and wake up to deal with circumstances. Another med that works for some of my friends is Xanax 0.5 mg. This drug is short acting but effective. It is also HIGHLY addictive. So take only a couple with you. One for each direction. It goes without saying, no alcohol. That inhibits sleep and can interact with either of these meds. Drink lots of water on that length trip you are at risk for DVT. Also try to find a gadget called a "First Class Sleeper." It's inflatable and you sit on it. It supports your neck and lower back to make those tiny coach seats just a wee bit more comfortable. Good luck!
Aug 2, 2015, 11:47 am
#73
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 105
OP here. I updated my experience 2 pages back. (see below) Since then, I wanted to thank the new posters with their advice. I took 5mgs. of the Ambien, but I see a poster saying that that is too much. I'll try a lower dosage next time I take this flight. I really appreciate the RSL advice. I started getting a little of that before the pill took effect, so I'll try your suggestion as well. Thanks so much again everyone---->
"OP here. Thank you so much to everyone who offered suggestions. After reading them, I called my Family Medicine physician, explained my problem, and requested a prescription for a couple of Ambien. I had just seen him about a week earlier so I guess he felt okay with prescribing sleep meds over the phone.
I was a little worried about weird side effects or sluggishness upon waking so I tried one at home before our trip. It worked just fine.
Got on our 12 hour flight, had dinner, watched a movie, then took 1 Ambien. I also did something different, which was to put a flat pillow down on the tray table (the clean pillow covered the whole tray) and put my head down to sleep. It's a little cramped but bam I was OUT for most of the trip and woke up feeling just fine- not sluggish or drowsy- about 7 hours later. I did the same thing for our flight back to the states. Worked great.
On our late night, much delayed, domestic, 3 hour flight back home I did the pillow/tray table thing, without the Ambien, and I slept for 2 hours.
I hope something in this thread helps someone else have a more pleasant trip. Thanks again to everyone!"
"OP here. Thank you so much to everyone who offered suggestions. After reading them, I called my Family Medicine physician, explained my problem, and requested a prescription for a couple of Ambien. I had just seen him about a week earlier so I guess he felt okay with prescribing sleep meds over the phone.
I was a little worried about weird side effects or sluggishness upon waking so I tried one at home before our trip. It worked just fine.
Got on our 12 hour flight, had dinner, watched a movie, then took 1 Ambien. I also did something different, which was to put a flat pillow down on the tray table (the clean pillow covered the whole tray) and put my head down to sleep. It's a little cramped but bam I was OUT for most of the trip and woke up feeling just fine- not sluggish or drowsy- about 7 hours later. I did the same thing for our flight back to the states. Worked great.
On our late night, much delayed, domestic, 3 hour flight back home I did the pillow/tray table thing, without the Ambien, and I slept for 2 hours.
I hope something in this thread helps someone else have a more pleasant trip. Thanks again to everyone!"
Aug 2, 2015, 11:52 am
#74
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Colorado
Programs: Delta, United, American, Norwegian, Southwest, Frontier, Bonvoy
Posts: 182
Have tried Ambien for long-haul, doesn't work for me even though I use it occasionally at home with good results. No other meds (antihistamines, dramamine) ever make me sleepy.I do usually have a few drinks on a redeye flight but doesn't help. The main issue is getting comfortable and I can't afford lie-flat. Have tried the head on tray, doesn't work. Slept very little even on NZ Air's wonderful economy-plus pods. I might try some of my codeine cough medicine next time if I haven't used it up for a cold.