Sleep Medication for longhaul flights

[Walter Plinge]

Longhaul for me usually means economy SYD to LHR and beyond - sometimes 30+ hours - so I too have found a system that works for me.

1. Booze it up in the lounge and plane ...

But drugs - they are for sad losers!

!! If the cap fits...

 

[ChrisBNE]

I find Melatonin tablets work wonders.

 

[straitman]

I find Melatonin tablets work wonders.

... and for me they unfortunately equate to a wakeup call. I end up eyes wide open. :evil:

 

[NM]

I find Melatonin tablets work wonders.

Glad they work for someone. Had absolutely no effect for me. Just goes to show haw we are all different.

 

[Blackadder]

For me all about adjusting my body clock/routine to where I will be visiting as soon as I am in the plane, and for the most part that works fine and can easily adapt at the other end.

 

[auriga]

Melatonin just makes me drowsy the whole day after... not nice!

 

[Brettmcg]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have done this trip plenty of times and don't/haven't ever really suffer(ed) from jetlag. I guess I just find it difficult to fall asleep on the plane as there are too many distractions, as well as engine noise and vibration which keep me awake! I have made an appointment to see my GP on Friday and will see what he can give me. Hopefully something with a bit of potency!

 

[WOLF13]

Stilnox, nuff said

 

[bambbbam2]

I got some Stilnox a while ago = they work well for me.

Funny thing was the Doc gave me 5 repeats too - I don't recall asking for repeats.

When I got the first script, the chemist was very puzzled as apparently 5 repeats is not normal for Stilnox.

 

[Paul_PER]

Brettmcg, I recommend that whatever the doctor prescribes that you try it before you get on a plane. All people react differently to different drugs. Personally I find Stilnox works wonders, but I do believe the published reports of a very small minority of people who do have a negative reaction.

Sometimes what the doctor considers a "mild" drug may completely knock some people out for far more hours than intended. The same drug may have almost no effect on other people. Also any "hangover" effect is different from person to person.

Please also note that if you have any sleep conditions like sleep apnea then sleep inducing drugs are definitely not a good idea.

 

[Brettmcg]

Ended up with a prescription for TEMAZE (Temazepam) tablets. Doctor didn't appear too impressed about me asking for them for ''casual'' use (ie. longhaul flights), but remarked that whilst they are reasonably potent, they can't do much harm.

 

[zig]

Ended up with a prescription for TEMAZE (Temazepam) tablets. Doctor didn't appear too impressed about me asking for them for ''casual'' use (ie. longhaul flights), but remarked that whilst they are reasonably potent, they can't do much harm.

These would have to be the mildest prescription sleeping tablets available. Give them a try before you fly to see how you respond to them. If you do only use them for flying then you might find them helpful (the more you use them the less effective they become, ie/ you get used to them). If you found restavit to be mild, I think you will find these mild as well. They are short acting, and will generally ony give you about 4 hours sleep, but have the benefit of not leaving you feeling too hung over.