How do you sedate yourself on a plane?

Over-the-counter options include Dramamine (bonus: it will also help if you have motion sickness), melatonin (a hormone that can help with sleep and prevent jet lag), any antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl), and medicines designed for insomnia, like Unisom or ZzzQuil.



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SmarterTravel.com serves up our travel-tested tips for sleeping on planes.
  • Choose your seat wisely. ...
  • Cut down on your carry-ons. ...
  • Skip the caffeine. ...
  • Try a sleep aid. ...
  • Stake your claim on blankets and pillows — or bring your own. ...
  • Bring a neck pillow. ...
  • Free Your Feet. ...
  • Use Headphones with Discretion.


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Antihistamines should also not be used to help passengers sleep during a flight.

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Create a Sleep Nook
In the window seat, you can recline your seat just enough so you can still look out the window if needed. The seat usually has an adjustable headrest, so using this as a pillow adds a bit of comfort. Also, use the footrest or prop your feet on top of a carry-on bag.

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Mild sedative or sleep aid: ZzzQuil or Tylenol PM. Maybe you're staying in a noisy place or you're so jet-lagged you can't sleep. Either way, these sleep aids will make sure you're refreshed and ready for a day of travel.

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On Xanax, you will not experience sweaty palms and a rapid heart rate. It can even help you fall asleep during the flight so that it will feel over to you before it is time for takeoff. Doctors normally prescribe their anxiety patients with limited doses of . 25mg-0.5mg.

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However, melatonin pills — especially for travelers crossing multiple time zones — could be a helpful aid. One milligram is all you need, Oexman told T+L. Take it about 30 minutes to one hour before you want to fall asleep on the plane. But there's more to it. When you land, stay awake all day.

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Travel Accessories Neck pillows and eye masks are always front and center at every airport store, and they're crazy expensive. Try to purchase them in advance on sites like Amazon for a fraction of the price. You'll find an array of travel pillows—some with more support than the typical U-shaped neck pillow.

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Try holding your breath and then breathing deeply, or better still, force yourself to breathe out for as long as you can and then take a long, deep breath. Seif and Farchione both recommended taking deep breaths, since this triggers the calming response and can help to prevent hyperventilation.

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The side effects of Ambien, especially when used in the large doses that doctor shopping allows, are dangerous and may be life threatening. Because slowed breathing is an effect of Ambien, if it is taken in larger doses, it can slow breathing to the point of coma or death.

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