sleeping aids for long flights?
Nov 5, 2004 | 8:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 171
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?
Nov 5, 2004 | 8:28 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Heading to Costco for more popcorn...
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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.
Nov 5, 2004 | 9:36 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2004
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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.
Last edited by DallasBill; Nov 5, 2004 at 9:39 am
Nov 5, 2004 | 10:43 am
#6
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Originally Posted by DallasBill
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.
Nov 5, 2004 | 11:14 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Francisco
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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.
Nov 5, 2004 | 11:17 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2004
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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 usually take one in normal circumstances (recommended dose is 1-2). Two if it's raging insomnia.
Nov 5, 2004 | 11:38 am
#10
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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.
Nov 5, 2004 | 12:50 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
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Originally Posted by Globaliser
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.
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.
We have to settle for Imovane, almost as good but leaves a metal taste in your mouth.