The only way to enjoy flying is to have a good sleep. If neck supports, eye masks, and noise-canceling headphones can’t help you sleep, you may want to consider a more serious solution: sleep aids.
Choosing the right sleep aid is a highly personal decision, but using the right sleeping pills will allow you to fall asleep more confidently on the plane. Over-the-counter sleeping pills have only a few unique active ingredients-depending on your health needs and preferences; you may prefer some of them. No matter which one you choose, don’t wait until you travel to try it. Make sure it works at home first in case you have any disagreeable side effects, such as nausea or headaches. However, the side effects of sleep aids may exceed the extra sleep time, and the side effects of some tablets may exceed the extra painkillers.
If sleeping on a plane or on a trip is a big problem for you, for example, you want to adapt to a new time zone or have a better rest in a strange environment. Here are some over-the-counter sleep aids and accessories that can be packaged that may be the key to getting you to sleep well, all of which should be used personally by a doctor familiar with your unique health status and medical history.
1. Ambien
Ambien, commonly known as zolpidem, is one of the most popular travel sleeping pills and the most effective choice on the list. Ambien dissolves quickly and can slow down your cerebral activity and make you feel very sleepy. It will put you to sleep in 30 minutes, the effect lasts 4-8 hours. Ambien will succeed if you want to fall asleep quickly. It’s going to make you drowsy-maybe even too good. Ambien can lead to some awkward situations while flying, including retrospective amnesia, drooling on a neighbor’s shoulder, confusion and sleepwalking.
There’s another form of Ambien-Ambien Controlled Release. Ambien CR dissolves more slowly, helping you sleep for a full eight hours. It is important that these two drugs should not be taken without a prescription or mixed with alcohol.
A study found that Ambien has proved to be resistant to jet lag. In order to achieve the best efficacy, it is recommended to take Ambien in less than six hours of flight.
2. Lunesta
Lunesta is Eszopiclone’s brand name. Lunesta is one of the most popular sleeping pills in the country. It is used to treat insomnia and is probably the most popular sleeping pill after Ambien. Lunesta works by binding to GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain. This calms the brain and begins to work immediately by speeding up the start of sleep. In controlled outpatient and sleep lab studies, the use of Lunesta before bedtime reduced the sleep incubation period and improved sleep maintenance.
The recommended starting dose for adults is 1 mg. If there are clinical indications, the dose can be increased to 2 mg or 3 mg. Lunesta’s total dose should not exceed 3 mg once a day before going to bed. If you cannot sleep immediately or spend 7-8 hours sleeping after taking the medicine, you should not use it. This means that people who take the drug will fall asleep at once instead of lying awake in bed.
Similar to Ambion, doctors warn that if people do not follow instructions, they are more likely to experience dangerous side effects or addiction. Including:
- Vertigo
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Short-term memory impairment
- Damaged coordination
Although these symptoms are preventable to some extent, some reactions are unpredictable.
Once someone notices memory loss, anaphylaxis, or any of the above symptoms, they should contact the prescribing doctor immediately.
3. Sonata
Sonata, commonly known as zaleplon, is a non-benzodiazepine sleep aid used to treat insomnia. Sonata supplies the brain with a drug that stimulates a neurotransmitter and introduces more of this natural sedative into your brain. Neurotransmitters act as a channel for chemicals that induce sleep so you can fall asleep quickly.
Take this medicine orally according to the doctor’s advice, and your doctor will work with you to find out the minimum dose that is effective for you. Zaleplon works quickly, so it’s important to take it before bedtime. You should not overeat or eat high-fat food for 2 hours before taking this drug, as doing so may prevent the medicine from working properly. Zaleplon should not be used for naps or less than 4 hours of short sleep, as this may increase the risk of side effects. For example:
- Addiction risk
- Dizziness
- Vulnerable to abuse
- Headaches
- Risk of overdose
- Nausea
4. Melatonin
Melatonin is a chemical produced by your body. It is a hormone naturally released by the pineal gland when the brain is tired. When your circadian rhythm tells you it’s time to sleep. Some studies have shown that melatonin is effective as a circadian-rhythm regulator. Melatonin is used to trigger drowsiness, just like the natural sleep aids you can get.
Like most sleeping pills, in terms of long-term effects, it’s not recommended by most doctors, it can have some negative side effects. However, it is usually the lightest sleep aid you can take. It is generally safe to use as a supplement, with no major side effects to worry about, and it usually works for people who take sleeping pills for the first time. Taking extra doses will help induce sleep and adjust your biological clock. A dose of 5 mg is effective in preventing jet lag, and larger or maximum doses will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.
5. Tylenol PM
The sleep-inducing component in Tylenol PM is diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that makes people sleepy. This over-the-counter drug is easy to buy at pharmacies.
You may pay the price once you land. When we wake up, it will make us feel very weak and also make us feel hungover. Antihistamines may also make you thirsty, which is not a good situation because flying usually dehydrates you. Other possible side effects of diphenhydramine include constipation, urinary retention, daytime drowsiness, and confusion, which may worsen your sleep problems if taken too much. Excessive use will lead to higher tolerance to active ingredients, which means that more and more pills need to be taken to continue to play its role.
6. Valerian Root
If all the other methods fail, try drinking chamomile tea in the terminal, or buy some Valeriana herbal supplements, which can close your eyes without a pill.
Valerian root is an effective herbal supplement called “natural valium” by some doctors. This plant-based solution is recognized for relieving anxiety and improving sleep quality, and it can gradually create a sense of drowsiness and relaxation over a period of 30 minutes.
This supplement usually also has a strong odor that smells like smelly cheese and feet. It is recommended to carry a closed bottle with you.
