Gina Johnson
Sleeping pills are a popular solution for those who struggle to sleep on planes. However, they can have negative side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. While some people swear by them, others caution against their use, especially if you haven't tried them before or don't know how they will affect you. So, can taking a sleeping pill on a plane kill you?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can sleeping pills kill you on a plane? | The FDA has warned that serious injuries and deaths can result from the use of sleeping pills. However, there are no reports of deaths on a plane specifically. |
| Sleeping pills on a plane | Sleeping pills can help on long-haul flights, but they may have side effects such as sleepwalking, dizziness, and next-day grogginess. |
| Alternatives to sleeping pills | Melatonin, antihistamines, CBD, and valerian root are natural alternatives to sleeping pills that can aid sleep on a plane. |
| Precautions | It is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleeping medication on a plane and to try the medication before the flight to understand its effects. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pill side effects
Sleeping pills can be a safe way to help you get the sleep you need in the short term. However, they come with side effects and safety considerations. It is important to understand how they work and what side effects you can expect. Side effects may vary by medication, and different people respond differently to them.
The most common side effects of sleep medications include drowsiness, difficulty with movement, and impaired focus the next day. Some people may also experience a burning or tingling sensation in their hands, arms, feet, or legs. The "hangover" effect is also common, referring to side effects like drowsiness, difficulty with balance or motor coordination, and impaired focus or memory.
Sleeping pills can also cause allergic reactions, which can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea, and swelling. While rare, nocturnal behaviours such as sleepwalking, sleep-eating, sleep-sex, and sleep-driving can occur, and may result in serious injuries or even death. Other rare but severe side effects include seizures and depressed breathing.
Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and dependency can occur even after just a few days of daily use. With longer-term use, individuals may increase their dosage, resulting in more problematic side effects. Withdrawal from sleeping pills can also result in "rebound insomnia," where individuals experience even more frustrating sleeping troubles, vivid dreams, nightmares, and anxiety.
It is important to consult with a doctor before taking sleeping pills, especially if you are pregnant or giving them to children. Doctors may suggest starting at a lower dose to monitor side effects and ensure the pills do not interact with other medications. It is also recommended to try sleeping pills at home before taking them on a plane to know how they will affect you.
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Natural sleep aids
While sleeping pills can help you sleep on a plane, they can also have some serious side effects and safety risks. The FDA has warned that serious injuries and even deaths can result from behaviours such as sleepwalking and using a stove while under the influence. Therefore, it is important to consider natural sleep aids that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep without the same risks as prescription sleep medications.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body in response to reduced light exposure, signalling to the brain that it is time to sleep. Taking melatonin supplements can help induce sleep and adjust your body's circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and reducing the effects of jet lag. It is available over the counter, but it is important to consistently buy the same brand as dosages and ingredients may differ between manufacturers.
- Magnesium and Valerian Root: These natural sleep aids can help promote sleep and improve overall sleep quality.
- Lavender: Lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties and can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
- CBD: CBD has been found to relieve anxiety and act as a natural sleep aid. It has been shown to enhance sleep quality and reduce anxiety in individuals with anxiety. However, it is important to note that CBD is still classified as a controlled substance in some states, and its legality may vary depending on your location.
- Warm Milk, Chamomile Tea, and Tart Cherry Juice: These drinks may help improve sleep quality, although there is limited scientific proof of their effectiveness. However, they are generally safe to consume and can be a good option for those who want treatment without the side effects or drug interactions of other sleep aids.
In addition to these natural sleep aids, there are also some behavioural changes you can make to improve your sleep:
- Go Dark: Avoid exposure to unnatural light from smartphones, laptops, or TVs before bedtime as it can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder to fall asleep. If you need to get up at night, use a flashlight instead of turning on the lights to reduce visual disruption.
- Sleep in Layers: Adjust your bedtime temperature as needed to create a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Avoid Working Out Close to Bedtime: Exercising within two hours of bedtime can raise your core body temperature, signalling to your body that it's time to get up, making it harder to fall asleep.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with sleep, so it is best to avoid it if you are looking to improve your sleep quality.
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Prescription vs over-the-counter
While taking a sleeping pill on a plane will not kill you, there are some factors to consider. The FDA has warned about the dangers of sleeping pills, revealing that serious injuries and even deaths can occur due to behaviours such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills and their potential effects on your body, especially when you are travelling.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and typically require a prescription from a healthcare provider. These pills are generally not recommended for long-term use as they are not a cure for insomnia and carry a risk of dependence and addiction. Examples include benzodiazepines, Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien), and melatonin receptor agonists such as Rozerem (ramelteon). Benzodiazepines, in particular, can lead to physical dependence, misuse, withdrawal, and addiction, with a potential hangover effect" the next day.
On the other hand, over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping aids are more easily accessible and do not require a prescription. These aids are typically recommended for short-term use and include natural remedies like melatonin supplements, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Melatonin, for instance, can help induce sleep and adjust your circadian rhythm, reducing jet lag. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, which cause alertness, and are generally safe for adults, though they should not be given to children for sleep without medical advice.
When deciding between prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills for air travel, it is crucial to consider the length of the flight and the duration of action of the medication. Short-acting medications like Xanax or Ativan may be more suitable for flights as they can help alleviate anxiety and promote sleep without the same level of risk as longer-acting prescription medications.
It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any sleeping medication, especially when considering prescription options. Additionally, it is recommended to test any sleeping pill at home before taking it on a plane to understand its effects on your body and avoid unwanted side effects while travelling.
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Length of flight
The length of your flight is an important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to take a sleeping pill. While sleeping pills can be helpful for long-haul flights, they may not be necessary or advisable for shorter trips. For example, if you're taking a short trip or travelling west against a time difference, you may be better off staying awake, as the effects of the pill may wear off before you arrive at your destination.
On the other hand, if you're facing a long flight and want to arrive refreshed, a sleeping pill can help you get some rest. In this case, it's important to choose a pill with an appropriate duration of action. Some medications are designed to have a longer duration of action, which can be helpful for insomniacs who need help staying asleep, but for a flight, a shorter-acting medication may be preferable. A short-acting benzodiazepine like Xanax or Ativan can help you fall asleep and may also alleviate the nerves of anxious travellers.
It's also important to consider the time it takes for a sleeping pill to kick in. Most prescription sleep medicines reach maximum levels about 1 to 1.5 hours after taking them, so you'll want to take the pill before takeoff to ensure you can get into bed quickly after ingestion. Additionally, you'll want to avoid taking a pill too early in the flight to avoid the effects wearing off before landing, which could leave you feeling groggy and confused.
If you're considering taking a sleeping pill on a plane, it's always best to consult your doctor first. They can help you choose an appropriate medication, discuss potential side effects, and advise you on the correct dosage and timing for your specific needs. It's also important to try out the medication at home first to understand how it will affect you.
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Alcohol and sleeping pills
While taking a sleeping pill on a plane will not kill you, it is important to consider the side effects and risks associated with sleeping pills, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Mixing alcohol and sleeping pills can have dangerous consequences. Both alcohol and most sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants, so combining them can lead to oversedation, dizziness, falls, respiratory depression, and even death. Alcohol can also negatively interact with the sedative effects of certain sleeping pills, such as Ambien, causing episodes of strange sleeping behavior, including sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other accidents. Additionally, mixing alcohol and sleeping pills may increase the risk of physical addiction to either substance.
It is important to note that alcohol can also interfere with sleep quality, leading to more fatigue and insomnia. While it may initially help individuals fall asleep faster, sleep studies show that intoxicated sleep is often disrupted and fragmented, resulting in increased middle-of-the-night awakenings. Therefore, individuals with insomnia may find themselves in a vicious cycle, turning to alcohol or sleeping pills for relief, and sometimes even combining the two.
To avoid these risks, it is recommended to consult a doctor before mixing alcohol with any medication, including over-the-counter sleep aids. Individuals experiencing insomnia are advised to explore non-pharmacological methods for improving sleep, such as melatonin supplements, antihistamines, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, rather than relying solely on alcohol or sleeping pills.
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Frequently asked questions
While there have been no reported deaths from taking sleeping pills on a plane, the FDA has warned about the dangers of sleeping pills, revealing that serious injuries and deaths can result from behaviours such as sleepwalking, using a stove while under the influence, and sleep-driving.
The side effects of taking sleeping pills on a plane can include sleepwalking, retroactive amnesia, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, headaches, and loss of appetite.
Yes, some natural alternatives to sleeping pills that can help you sleep on a plane include melatonin, valerian root, CBD, antihistamines, and motion sickness pills.
To avoid the side effects of sleeping pills on a plane, it is recommended to try the sleeping pills before your flight to understand how they will affect you, avoid combining them with alcohol, and consider the length of the flight versus the duration of the medication's action.
Some non-medical ways to help you sleep on a plane include wearing comfortable clothes, choosing a window seat, using noise-cancelling headphones, and investing in quality pillows and eye masks.
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