Miya Pearson
Falling asleep on a plane can be challenging due to various factors, such as cramped seats, limited legroom, aircraft noise, and dry cabin air. While some people may opt for sleep aids to help them rest during their flight, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. Over-the-counter sleep aids, such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl, ZzzQuil, and Tylenol PM), can induce drowsiness but may also cause grogginess and dehydration upon waking. Prescription sleep aids, such as Ambien (zolpidem), can help with jet lag but may lead to sleepwalking if not used carefully. Melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep, is also an option, although its effectiveness varies among individuals. To minimize risks, it is recommended to consult a doctor, test sleep aids before flying, and combine them with comfort strategies such as comfortable clothing, noise-canceling headphones, and hydration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you take sleep aids on a plane? | It is not recommended to take sleeping pills on a plane, especially if the flight is 10 hours or less. However, some people may opt to take sleep aids to help them sleep during a long flight. |
| Sleep aid options | Melatonin, CBD sleep aids, prescription sleep aids (e.g. Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata), over-the-counter sleep aids (e.g. diphenhydramine, doxylamine, Tylenol PM, Unisom Sleep Tablets) |
| Precautions | Discuss with a doctor, try it at home first, avoid combining with alcohol, allow enough time for sleep and recovery from grogginess, ensure tolerance |
| Alternatives | Noise-cancelling headphones, neck pillow, comfortable clothing, drinking water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleep aid side effects: grogginess, dry mouth, sleepwalking, and restlessness
- Natural sleep aids: melatonin, CBD, and antihistamines
- Over-the-counter sleep aids: Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Tylenol PM
- Prescription sleep aids: Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, Rozerem
- Sleep aid alternatives: comfortable clothing, neck pillows, earplugs, and eye masks
Sleep aid side effects: grogginess, dry mouth, sleepwalking, and restlessness
Sleeping pills can be a good solution if you have trouble sleeping on planes, and they are a better option than drinking alcohol. However, sleeping pills can cause side effects, and you should not use them long-term. Over-the-counter sleep aids, such as antihistamines like Benadryl, can cause grogginess and dry mouth. You may feel hungover and have trouble staying hydrated on a plane. Prescription sleep aids like Ambien (Zolpidem) can lead to sleepwalking, which could be dangerous on a plane. You should have at least six to seven hours to sleep when taking this medication. Other prescription sleep aids like Lunesta (Eszopiclone) and Sonata (Zaleplon) work similarly to Ambien. Rozerem (Ramelteon) is another prescription medication that is not as strong as Ambien.
Natural sleep aids like melatonin can help shift your circadian rhythm with minimal side effects. However, sleep aids can cause constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and digestive problems. They can also worsen snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and your insomnia may come back worse than before if you stop taking them. You should not mix sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol due to the risk of overdosing. Some prescription sleep aids can cause parasomnia, a sleep disorder where people may sleepwalk, eat, talk, or even drive without being fully awake. This can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Sleeping pills can cause drowsiness the next day and impair your ability to drive or perform tasks that require alertness. They can also cause dizziness, balance problems, and muddled thinking. Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects like confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. It is recommended to give sleep aids a test run at home before taking them on a plane to see how your body reacts.
Overall, while sleep aids can be helpful for sleeping on a plane, it is important to consider the potential side effects and take the necessary precautions.
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Natural sleep aids: melatonin, CBD, and antihistamines
Sleeping on a plane can be challenging, and some people turn to sleep aids to help them get some rest during their flight. While sleeping pills are a popular option, they may not be the best choice for everyone due to potential side effects and health risks. Natural sleep aids like melatonin, CBD, and antihistamines can be effective alternatives for combating jet lag and improving sleep quality while travelling.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is available over the counter in the United States and can be purchased easily online or in pharmacies and health stores. When it comes to travelling with melatonin, you can bring it on a plane in your carry-on or checked baggage. There are no restrictions on the amount of melatonin pills or gummies you can bring. However, if you are carrying liquid melatonin, it is considered "medically necessary," and you can take it on board as long as you inform airport security staff. It is recommended to keep it in its original packaging to speed up the screening process. Taking melatonin while travelling can help reduce jet lag, especially when taken close to your target bedtime at your destination. It is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any new supplement or medication.
CBD products are also permitted on planes, as long as they contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound in cannabis that causes the "high," while CBD is the non-psychoactive component known for its potential health benefits. Over-the-counter CBD products with low THC levels are considered hemp and are not prohibited under federal law. However, it is important to check the laws of your destination state or country, as some states have different regulations for hemp-based CBD products.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine found in Benadryl, can also induce drowsiness and help with sleep on a plane. While they are easily accessible over the counter, it is important to be aware of potential side effects like grogginess, dry mouth, and dehydration. Additionally, antihistamines may not be suitable for everyone, as they can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially in children. As with any medication, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking antihistamines or any sleep aid while travelling.
Natural sleep aids like melatonin, CBD, and antihistamines can be helpful tools for improving sleep while travelling. However, it is important to remember that individual responses may vary, and it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or medication, especially when considering the potential side effects and health risks associated with air travel.
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Over-the-counter sleep aids: Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Tylenol PM
If you're considering taking over-the-counter sleep aids on a plane, it's important to make sure you're doing it safely and within the guidelines. Here's some information on three common over-the-counter sleep aids: Benadryl, ZzzQuil, and Tylenol PM.
Benadryl
Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and help you sleep. While it's easily available over the counter, it's important to note that it may leave you feeling groggy and dehydrated when you wake up. Aneesa Das, a sleep medicine specialist at Ohio State University, recommends giving it a test run at home first to see how your body reacts. Additionally, make sure you follow the recommended dosage, as taking too much can lead to side effects.
ZzzQuil
ZzzQuil offers a range of sleep aids, including their PURE Zzzs melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep and can be particularly useful for jet lag. It's drug-free and non-habit-forming, making it a safer alternative to other sleep aids. ZzzQuil recommends taking their melatonin supplement when you first get on a flight, especially for overnight travel, to help you wake up feeling refreshed at your destination.
Tylenol PM
Tylenol PM is another over-the-counter option that can aid in sleep. While it's not specifically marketed as a sleep aid, its active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is the same antihistamine found in Benadryl, which can cause drowsiness. As with Benadryl, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, such as grogginess and dehydration.
When taking any over-the-counter medication on a plane, it's advisable to carry it in its original container and declare it if necessary. Additionally, be mindful of the regulations at your destination, as certain medications may be restricted in some countries. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about taking sleep aids while travelling.
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Prescription sleep aids: Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, Rozerem
If you're considering taking prescription sleep aids on a plane, it's important to weigh the benefits against the potential side effects. While these medications can help you sleep during a long flight, they may not be suitable for all travellers or flight durations.
Ambien (Zolpidem)
Ambien is a popular and potent prescription sleep aid. It is a sedative-hypnotic drug that slows down brain activity, making it easier to fall asleep. While it can be effective for fighting jet lag, it may also cause sleepwalking, especially when combined with alcohol or when there isn't enough time for sleep. To avoid this side effect, Dr Thomas Kilkenny recommends allowing at least six to seven hours for sleep. Additionally, do not take Ambien for the first time on a plane. Always give any sleep medication a test run at home to see how your body reacts.
Lunesta
Lunesta is another prescription sleep aid that works similarly to Ambien, although it has a longer half-life. This means you'll need to wait at least 30 hours after taking Lunesta before flying. The recommended starting dose for Lunesta is 1 mg. Some people may experience an unpleasant metallic taste after taking it.
Sonata (Zalephon)
Sonata is a prescription-only sleep aid that is also known as a Z-drug. The standard dose for Sonata is 10 mg.
Rozerem (Ramelteon)
Rozerem is a prescription medication that is not as aggressive as Ambien. It is a melatonin receptor stimulant and is unrelated to the Z-drugs.
When considering taking prescription sleep aids on a plane, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can advise you on appropriate medications, dosages, and any necessary precautions. Additionally, always follow the safety guidelines provided by aviation authorities and airlines regarding the use of sleep aids while flying.
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Sleep aid alternatives: comfortable clothing, neck pillows, earplugs, and eye masks
While sleeping pills can be a solution for some people to sleep on a plane, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some alternative ways to improve your sleep on a flight without taking sleep aids:
Comfortable clothing
Wearing comfortable clothing can help you sleep better on a plane. Opt for loose-fitting and soft clothing that allows for stretching and movement. Consider the climate of your departure and arrival destinations and choose layers that you can easily put on or take off. If you're planning to change into sleepwear during the flight, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag and consider changing in the airport restrooms before boarding.
Neck pillows
A good neck pillow can provide essential support for your head and neck while sleeping on a plane. Look for a pillow that attaches to the seat back or headrest to gently support your head and block out light, such as the Sleeper Hold travel pillow.
Earplugs
Earplugs can help block out background noise and create a quieter environment for sleeping. There are various types of earplugs available, including wax earplugs and silicone earplugs. Wax earplugs, like the PQ Wax Ear Plugs, can provide a comfortable and calm sleeping experience, while silicone earplugs, such as the Loop Quiet 2 earplugs, offer noise reduction and a fashionable look.
Eye masks
An eye mask can be useful in blocking out light and creating a darker environment conducive to sleep. Look for eye masks that have adjustable eye cups, allowing space for your eyelashes, such as the Manta Sleep Mask or the Slip sleep mask.
By combining these alternatives, you can create a comfortable and relaxing environment that promotes better sleep during your flight, without relying solely on sleep aids.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep medication can be a potential risk to aviation safety due to the effects of the sleep aid or the underlying reason for using it. All sleep aids, both prescription and over-the-counter, can impair mental processes and reaction times. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking any sleep medication on a flight.
Some over-the-counter sleep aids that can be taken on a plane include Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Unisom Sleep Tablets, WELMATE Sleep Aid, and Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid. These typically contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine or doxylamine, which can cause grogginess and dry mouth.
Some prescription sleep aids that can be taken on a plane include Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta, Sonata, and Rozerem (ramelteon). These medications are stronger and may have side effects like sleepwalking, especially when combined with alcohol. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any prescription sleep aids.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that the brain releases when it's tired, and it can be taken as a sleep aid. It has minimal side effects and is effective in preventing jet lag, especially when taken close to your target bedtime at your destination. CBD hemp-derived oils (with low THC levels) are also legal to fly with and can aid sleep.
