Miya Pearson
Sleeping pills can be a great way to get some rest on a long flight, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. While some sleeping pills are available over the counter, such as melatonin, valerian root, and antihistamines like diphenhydramine, others like Ambien require a prescription. It's always a good idea to consult a doctor before taking any new medication, and to test it out before your trip to see how your body reacts. Side effects can include grogginess, dry mouth, and in some cases, memory impairment or sleepwalking. To avoid these, it's best to skip the inflight alcohol and reserve sleeping pills for longer flights where you'll be crossing multiple time zones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you take sleeping pills on a flight? | Sleeping pills may be useful for long-haul flights or when you will be waking up in a different time zone. |
| When to take sleeping pills | It is recommended to take a test run of the sleeping pill before your flight to see how your body reacts. |
| Over-the-counter options | Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine, Melatonin, Unisom, ZzzQuil, Sominex, Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid, Nature's Bounty Melatonin, Klaire Labs Melatonin Lozenge, Olly gummies, Dream Water, Valerian Root |
| Prescription options | Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), Xanax, Valium |
| Side effects | Diphenhydramine may cause grogginess, dry mouth, and dehydration. Ambien may cause amnesia and sleepwalking. Sleeping pills may cause memory impairment. |
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What You'll Learn
- Over-the-counter sleeping pills are easily available at drugstores
- Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps induce sleep and adjust your circadian clock
- Prescription sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are more potent but come with side effects
- Always test a new sleep aid before your flight to know how your body reacts
- Sleeping pills are best reserved for long-haul or red-eye flights
Over-the-counter sleeping pills are easily available at drugstores
When preparing for a long flight, it can be tempting to reach for sleeping pills to help you get some rest. While prescription sleeping pills are not recommended for this purpose, over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily available at drugstores.
OTC sleeping pills are a good option for those who struggle to sleep on planes. They are also a better alternative to alcohol, which can disrupt sleep and exacerbate dehydration. However, it is important to note that OTC sleeping pills can still cause side effects such as grogginess and dry mouth, which may be unpleasant upon landing.
There are several types of OTC sleeping pills available, with different active ingredients that may be preferred depending on individual health needs and preferences. Diphenhydramine, for example, is an antihistamine that can be found in common sleep or allergy medicines like Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Aleve PM, and Tylenol PM. While it is generally safe, it can cause grogginess and should not be overused by those who need it for allergy purposes. Doxylamine is another option, found in brands like Unisom and Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid, which should be taken about 30 minutes before the desired sleep time.
Melatonin is also a popular choice for travellers. It is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body, signalling when it is time to sleep. Taking an extra dose can help induce sleep and reduce jet lag. It is available in various forms, including softgels, lozenges, gummies, and liquid shots, which can be beneficial for nervous flyers as they often contain calming ingredients like lemon balm, passionflower, and vitamin B6.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking any new sleep aid to ensure it is suitable for your unique health conditions and medical history. Additionally, it is recommended to test out any new sleep aid before your flight to understand how your body reacts to it.
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Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps induce sleep and adjust your circadian clock
Sleeping pills can be a good solution for those struggling to sleep on long flights. While some prescription sleeping pills may be too strong, over-the-counter options are available, such as diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine found in Benadryl. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Supplemental melatonin can help individuals who struggle to fall asleep or adjust to new time zones. It is recommended to take 1 to 5 milligrams of melatonin about 30 minutes before bed. Melatonin is not a sedative, and its effects are more noticeable when endogenous melatonin levels are low, such as during the day or in individuals who produce insufficient amounts.
Melatonin supplements are widely available and can be purchased over the counter. They are a popular choice for travellers, as they can help with jet lag and adjusting to new time zones. Melatonin gummies, lozenges, and liquid shots are some of the convenient forms in which melatonin is available.
It is important to note that while melatonin is generally considered safe, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before taking any new supplement, especially for those with unique health conditions or specific medical histories.
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Prescription sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are more potent but come with side effects
While over-the-counter sleeping pills are easily accessible, they may not be as effective as prescription medication for helping you sleep during a flight. Prescription sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are more potent but come with side effects.
Ambien
Ambien, the brand name for zolpidem, is a sedative-hypnotic medication commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is the most powerful option for sleeping pills for flights. However, it can cause side effects such as next-day drowsiness, misuse, and dependence. The use of Ambien with other substances, especially opioids and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Some users experience retroactive amnesia, where they may hold conversations while asleep and have no memory of it later. Ambien can also lead to sleepwalking, which could be dangerous in a confined space like a plane.
Lunesta
Lunesta, the brand name for the generic drug eszopiclone, is a hypnotic, non-benzodiazepine prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It is intended for short-term use and can cause serious side effects, especially when paired with alcohol or when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses. Lunesta can be habit-forming and addictive. One of the more serious side effects is somnambulism, where individuals may get out of bed and engage in activities while still asleep. This side effect can worsen when mixed with alcohol or recreational drugs.
Sonata
Sonata, or zaleplon, is a prescription medication for insomnia. It should be taken only as directed by a doctor, as misuse can lead to mental or physical dependence. Sonata should be used with caution for those with asthma, sleep apnea, or liver disease. Stopping this medication suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects, and overdose may lead to breathing problems and unconsciousness.
Prescription sleeping pills can be effective for helping you sleep during a flight, but they come with a risk of side effects, especially when mixed with other substances. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any prescription medication and to follow their recommendations for usage.
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Always test a new sleep aid before your flight to know how your body reacts
Sleeping pills can be a great way to help you get some rest on a long flight. However, it's important to remember that not all flights warrant sleeping pills. If your flight is on a short trip or you're travelling west against a time difference, it's better to stay awake.
If you're taking a sleeping pill, it's always a good idea to test it out before your trip. This way, you'll know how your body reacts to it before you're on the flight. For example, diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine found in common sleep or allergy medicines like Benadryl, can make you feel groggy and hungover when you wake up. It can also cause dry mouth, which can be unpleasant, especially since flying can be dehydrating. So, it's a good idea to try it out at home first and see how your body tolerates it.
Similarly, melatonin is a popular choice for sleep aids, but it's important to note that it is regulated by the FDA, and you should check with your doctor before taking it. While it has minimal side effects, it's still a good idea to give it a test run to see how it affects you. Melatonin can come in many forms, such as softgels, lozenges, liquids, and gummies, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Additionally, if you're considering a prescription sleeping pill like Ambien, it's crucial to consult your doctor first. Ambien is a powerful sedative that can cause retroactive amnesia and sleepwalking, especially when combined with alcohol. Therefore, it's important to know how your body reacts to it before taking it on a flight.
Overall, while sleeping pills can be helpful for getting rest on long flights, it's important to test them out first and consult with a doctor or medical professional to ensure they are suitable for your unique health conditions and medical history.
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Sleeping pills are best reserved for long-haul or red-eye flights
Sleeping pills can be a great way to get some rest on a long-haul or red-eye flight. However, it's important to consider the side effects and take necessary precautions.
Firstly, it's recommended to test any sleep aid before your flight. This way, you can understand how your body reacts to the medication and adjust the dosage if needed. It's also important to consult a doctor, especially if you have unique health conditions or are taking other medications. Over-the-counter sleeping pills typically contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine, which can cause grogginess and dry mouth upon waking. While these side effects may be unpleasant, antihistamines are generally safe and can be easily purchased without a prescription.
For a more natural approach, valerian root, sometimes called "nature's Xanax" or "nature's Valium," can induce sleepiness and relaxation within 30 minutes. CBD products, when combined with melatonin, may also help anxious travellers sleep, although more research is needed to confirm CBD's effectiveness. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, generic brands like Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid contain doxylamine, which can help you sleep on an overnight flight. Melatonin supplements are another popular choice, as they help recalibrate your body's natural sleep/wake cycle, making it easier to adjust to new time zones.
While prescription sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are more potent, they should be reserved for long-haul or red-eye flights. These medications can have stronger side effects, including memory impairment and sleepwalking, especially when combined with alcohol. Therefore, it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the risks and consider alternative methods, such as noise-cancelling headphones, neck pillows, and natural sleep aids, before opting for prescription sleeping pills.
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Frequently asked questions
Some over-the-counter sleep aids include melatonin, valerian root, and CBD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that triggers sleepiness. Valerian root is also known as "nature's Xanax" or "nature's Valium" and can help you relax and fall asleep within 30 minutes. CBD is not a proven sleep aid but can help reduce anxiety, which may help you sleep. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Aleve PM, or Tylenol PM) can also make you drowsy.
Prescription sleep aids include Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon). These medications are more potent than over-the-counter options and may have stronger side effects, such as amnesia or sleepwalking.
It is recommended to test any sleep medication before your flight to understand how your body reacts. Avoid mixing sleep medication with alcohol, and consider reserving prescription sleep aids for overnight or long-haul flights.
Sleep aids can cause impairment of mental processes and reaction times, even when the individual feels awake. This could pose a safety risk during flight, especially if combined with alcohol. Additionally, some sleep aids can cause dehydration, memory impairment, and other side effects.
