sleeping aids for long flights?
 

I'm flying from philly to lax, then lax to auckland next week...having flown on long flights before (atlanta to jo'burg) I know that I don't sleep very well on long flights. I don't think that I want to take sleeping pills though - is there anything 'milder' that I can take, that I could buy without a prescription?

There have been a couple threads on this in recent months with different suggestions, and certainly many opinions on prescription items such as Ambien, Sonata, etc. For shorter flights my doctor recommended 1-2 Benadryl. (I'm able to sleep like a log on any flight as long as it's not a redeye...go figure.) My last few redeyes I've taken 2 Benadryl (one didn't do much for me) and gotten a solid 5 hours of sleep each time which was perfect for the timing of those flights after meal service, etc. Hope that helps... As with everything else, YMMV and definitely try it out at home before you travel.

ah thats a good idea...i've taken that before for allergies, and it's made me quite sleepy...didnt even think about that...thanks

I should've added with the Benadryl I didn't get the "hangover effect" that many people mention with sleep aids, etc. (But again, YMMV...)

I have always had luck with 1-2 mg of melatonin. However, some people claim it does nothing for them, so try it at home first. I also find it very helpful in the new timezone to help me sleep and adjust to the new cycles there.

I second this recommendation, especially going eastbound.

Melatonin works for me
 

I agree with above posters. 2 mg melatonin provides just enough effect to sleep. I follow the NY times protocol for jet lag reduction..one dose the day before travel at bedtime of destination, one dose the day of travel, and one dose at bedtime after arrival. Works great.

I wholeheartedly endorse Tylenol PM. It's useful for long flights, but I also take it preemptively before going to bed on the first couple nights of a time change, and avoid the 3-am-wakeup can't go back to sleep phenomenon.

I usually take one in normal circumstances (recommended dose is 1-2). Two if it's raging insomnia.

I take a Tylenol PM

ATL-FCO, and I just woke up before they served breakfast, almost ready to land ;)

Promethazine hydrochloride, 20 mg. Sold in the UK as Sominex, over the counter (also the same stuff appears in Night Nurse). But I think it needs a prescription in the US. Good stuff, though.

You mean - there are actually medicines that need a prescription in the US but not the UK???

I thought it was usually the other way round...

I swear by Valerian to help me sleep - especially the extra strong formula that you can get in Germany.

alcohol - Air NZ has some great wines :)

ambien simply the best

sorry, the best thing without a prescription.....

Jack Daniels

"I'm Jack Daniels, and I approved this ad. "

Who are you trying to kid, by the 10th glass you can't tell the difference ;)

Not available in Canada :( We have to settle for Imovane, almost as good but leaves a metal taste in your mouth.