sleep aids on a plane?
 

I know many of you will suggest a few drinks, but that seem to not work for me..

Simply Sleep? Sominex? Ambien? Tried em all.

Is there something I can ask my doctor for that will really allow me to sleep on a trip to Asia?

My family and I are flying JFK-BKK tomorrow.

I am 6'5", 300 lbs. I have tried all the medications you mentioned and have been unsuccessful. I used to think that it was due to excitement of the upcoming trip.

And then...I tried Tylenol PM. I didn't think it has a chance to work. But I take 2 of them, and 20 mins later I cannot keep my eyes open.

Good luck!

I used to travel extensively between ANC and NRT, ICN and SYD. Ambien worked great for me - sorry you didn't experience the same. I'd take it just after take-off, enjoy the FC meal, a glass of wine, and start reading my book. 20 minutes later I was out like a light for 8 hours - the rest of the flight wasn't so bad either, and I always awoke refreshed. Good luck in whatever you end up with.

Tylenol PM works for me. I'm on one of the long haul international trip
once a month atleast. I survive very well.

I think Tylenol PM is Diphenhydramine, which is the same as Sominex..

Tylenol PM contains 25mg of diphenhydramine aka Benadryl. It will put you to sleep plus fix your allergy symptoms. The usual adult dose is 25-50mg but you should follow the package insert directions if you decide to try it.

Promethazine for me, another drowsy-making antihistamine.

If you're using diphenhydramine just to go to sleep it's best to avoid the Tylenol PM package, which contains acetaminophen, a pain reliever which is not great for your liver and, unless something aches, you don't need. Grab the generic diphenhydramine sold as sleep aids (50 mg capsules, usually) or buy Unisom or Benadryl.

Many people, including myself, have no luck with OTC products so we have to go with prescription meds. Ambien is a good one, but it's definitely not one you want to start using on a flight by yourself (some people experience bizarre side effects, and I believe lawsuits have been filed over "sleep driving" and perhaps "sleep eating" at this point). It can cause memory loss and really knock you out so it's best for long flights with company.

There are some other possibilities (benzos, Phenergan/promethazine, Sonata, etc.) but Ambien is a good place to start.

I like melatonin. You can get it over the counter.

Better Living (and Sleeping) Through Modern Chemistry
 

I go for Xanax for short term flights, Lorazepam for those long haul ones. Works every time.

I like Head-On PM. Rub this stuff on my forehead and 15 mins later I am out.

Plenty exercise during the day, and avoid caffeine and heavy foods. I don't like drugging myself up.

I've had good luck with serepax. What a shame the alcohol solution doesn't work for you. :D ;)

I'm not a fan of Ambien...the times I've used it I end up waking up in a bit of a fog. I've also had a few sleepless nights where it only put me to sleep for an hour or two.

On flights, I tend to take a couple Benadryl which usually work great for getting me 5-6 hours of solid sleep (my MD suggested it rather than Ambien for shorter flights). Others have said the same, while some feel more awake after taking a Benadryl, and some have the foggy feeling after waking up...so it's definitely a YMMV issue...and I'd strongly suggest trying any options at home before trying on an airplane.

I finally got around to getting an inflatable neck pillow (Eagle Creek) for my flight last week. It helped me sleep much better then I ever could before. Coupled with a couple Tylenol PM and Jack Daniels I got some decent sleep on a plane for the first time ever.