Herbie Murray
Sleep is a sensitive issue when it comes to flying. While some people can sleep anywhere, others struggle to nod off in a new environment, especially on a plane. Sleeping pills can be a solution for those who need them, but they are not without their risks. This article will explore the topic of sleeping pills and flying, including whether you can buy them at the airport, and whether you should take them before a flight.
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What You'll Learn
- Natural sleep aids, such as melatonin, are available over the counter
- Prescription sleep aids, like Ambien, are stronger but carry more risks
- Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine
- Do not take sleep medication until you have boarded the plane?
- Sleep aids can cause impairment of mental processes and reaction times
Natural sleep aids, such as melatonin, are available over the counter
Natural sleep aids are available over the counter as supplements. Melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, is one such example. It is produced naturally in the body and helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Taking melatonin supplements can help induce sleep and adjust your body's internal clock, thereby reducing the effects of jet lag. It is recommended to start taking melatonin a few days before your trip, about four to six hours before your bedtime. Research has shown that melatonin can decrease jet lag, especially when taken close to your target bedtime at your destination, and when travelling across five or more time zones.
Another natural sleep aid is valerian, which is an herb that has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is also available over the counter and is known as "nature's Xanax" or "nature's Valium". It can help instil sleepiness and relaxation within about 30 minutes. CBD is another natural sleep aid that has been shown to help ease anxiety in patients, although it has not been fully proven to aid sleep.
Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy. Diphenhydramine is an example of an antihistamine found in common sleep medicines like ZzzQuil, Benadryl, Aleve PM, and Tylenol PM. Doxylamine is another antihistamine found in stronger sleeping pills like Unisom sleep tablets and NyQuil cold medicine.
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Prescription sleep aids, like Ambien, are stronger but carry more risks
Sleeping pills can be a useful solution for those who struggle to sleep on planes. However, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with prescription sleep aids, such as Ambien, which are stronger than over-the-counter alternatives but carry more significant side effects and risks of dependency.
Ambien (also known as zolpidem) is a prescription-only medication that works as a sedative-hypnotic, slowing down brain activity to induce sleep. While it can be highly effective in helping individuals fall asleep, it also carries a higher risk of side effects and potential dangers. For example, some users experience retroactive amnesia, where they may engage in conversations or activities, such as sleepwalking, without any memory of it later. This can potentially lead to awkward or dangerous situations, especially in the confined space of an aircraft.
Additionally, prescription sleep aids like Ambien carry a higher risk of dependency and addiction. They are typically recommended for short-term use only, and long-term use is generally discouraged due to the risk of developing a physical dependence. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including shakiness, nausea, and vomiting. It is important for individuals to consult a healthcare provider when considering prescription sleep aids to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Furthermore, prescription sleep aids may interact with other medications or supplements an individual is taking, potentially leading to adverse effects. It is crucial to disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal products being used to a doctor or pharmacist before starting prescription sleep aids. Mixing sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol can also lead to dangerous overdoses or enhance the risk of certain side effects.
While prescription sleep aids like Ambien can be effective for short-term relief from insomnia or sleep difficulties, they should be approached with caution. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional and carefully consider the potential risks and side effects before taking any prescription medication for sleep. Over-the-counter sleep aids or natural remedies may be preferable for some individuals due to their lower risk profile, although they may not provide the same level of sleep induction as prescription options.
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Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine
Sleep aids that can be purchased over the counter are a good option for those who experience occasional insomnia or sleeplessness due to travel. These sleep aids often contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine, which is a common active ingredient in sleep or allergy medicines like ZzzQuil, Benadryl, Aleve PM, and Tylenol PM. Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine that decreases histamine levels in the brain, promoting sleepiness. While it is generally safe for short-term use, it should not be overused as it can lead to a higher tolerance, and it may have adverse effects on older individuals.
Diphenhydramine is not the only antihistamine used in over-the-counter sleep aids. Doxylamine succinate, found in Unisom, is another sedating antihistamine that is as effective as diphenhydramine but tends to work for a longer duration of up to eight hours. Unisom is also available in a generic form. These antihistamine-based sleep aids should be used cautiously and only when needed, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
It is important to note that over-the-counter sleep aids are intended for short-term use and should be used occasionally rather than regularly. Before taking any sleep medication, it is recommended to consult a doctor to understand the options, benefits, and risks involved. Additionally, natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian root can be considered, although their effectiveness may vary among individuals.
When it comes to air travel, sleep can be challenging due to various factors such as cramped spaces, noise, and light. Over-the-counter sleep aids can be helpful in such situations, but it is advisable to use them selectively and only when necessary. It is also important to be aware of any possible side effects and risks associated with these medications.
While over-the-counter sleep aids can be beneficial for occasional sleeplessness, they may not be suitable for addressing long-term sleep problems. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to explore other options, such as cognitive behavior therapy, which can help address specific issues that interfere with sleep.
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Do not take sleep medication until you have boarded the plane
If you're considering taking sleeping pills before a flight, it's important to exercise caution. While it's understandable that you might want to sleep through a long journey, taking sleep medication too early can lead to unwanted side effects.
Firstly, it's worth noting that sleep medication should only be used after consulting a doctor. A medical professional who is familiar with your health conditions and medical history can advise you on the best course of action. They may recommend trying a natural sleep aid, such as melatonin, or an over-the-counter option with antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
Now, here's why you should not take sleep medication until you have boarded the plane:
Avoid feeling groggy at the airport
You don't want to feel groggy and disoriented while navigating the airport. Taking sleep medication too early could leave you feeling drowsy and confused, making it difficult to move through security checks, find your gate, and board the plane.
Reduce the risk of flight cancellation
If you take the medication after you've boarded, you reduce the risk of spending the night passed out in the airport lounge in case your flight is delayed or cancelled. This scenario could leave you feeling disoriented and vulnerable.
Minimize the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Taking sleep medication on a plane can increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in your legs, which can be life-threatening. This risk is heightened if you are immobile for long periods during the flight.
Prevent unwanted side effects
Some sleep medications can cause side effects like amnesia, sleepwalking, and even depression. Taking the medication after boarding reduces the risk of experiencing these side effects in an unfamiliar airport environment.
Allow for a test run
It is advisable to try new sleep medication at home first to see how your body reacts. This way, you can ensure that you don't experience any unexpected or adverse reactions while on the plane or in a foreign country.
Remember, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any sleep medication, and to only take the prescribed dose. Additionally, consider reserving prescription sleep medications for overnight flights, and avoid mixing them with alcohol.
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Sleep aids can cause impairment of mental processes and reaction times
Sleep aids can be a great way to get some shut-eye on a flight, especially if you're travelling overnight and need to wake up refreshed in a different time zone. However, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with their use.
One of the key risks of sleep aids is that they can cause impairment of mental processes and reaction times, even when the user feels fully awake. This cognitive impairment can include feelings of fogginess, dizziness, and reduced mental alertness, which may increase the risk of accidents or falls. For example, driving or operating heavy machinery after taking a sleep aid can be dangerous due to the potential impact on mental function and reaction time.
Additionally, sleep aids can cause dependence, with users becoming addicted and requiring higher doses over time. Withdrawal from certain sleep aids can also lead to physical and cognitive issues, including impaired thinking and mood changes. Some sleep aids may also cause allergic reactions, sleepwalking, and parasomnias, which can be dangerous in certain situations.
Due to these potential side effects, it's recommended to consult a doctor before taking any sleep aid, especially if you have unique health conditions or a medical history. Occasional or limited use of sleep aids is generally considered allowable, but daily or nightly use is typically not advised. It's also important to give yourself enough time for the drug to metabolize, so avoid taking it on a short flight or when you have only a few hours left before landing.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether you can buy sleeping pills at the airport. However, you can purchase them over the counter at pharmacies and drug stores, and they are also available online.
Some over-the-counter sleeping pills include ZzzQuil, Benadryl, Aleve PM, and Tylenol PM. These medicines contain an antihistamine called diphenhydramine, which can cause sleepiness.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep and is available as a supplement. Valerian root is another natural sleep aid that can help induce sleep and reduce anxiety.
Yes, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any sleep aid, as they can have side effects and may interact with other medications. Additionally, taking a sleeping pill while flying can increase the risk of developing blood clots in your legs, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Yes, there are several alternatives to help improve sleep while travelling. These include sitting by the window to control the amount of light, packing sleep accessories such as earplugs and an eye mask, wearing comfortable clothing, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
