How much Benadryl do I need to sleep on a plane?

If you're nervous about the idea of prescription sleep aids, plenty of over-the-counter options await. A diphenhydramine tablet or two (i.e., Benadryl or Zzzquil) is enough to make most people drowsy, as is a single dose of cough medicine containing diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate (a.k.a. Nyquil).



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Diphenhydramine, the same antihistamine found in Benadryl, will likely put you to sleep, though you may pay the price once you land. “It makes us feel really groggy when we wake up, and it can make us feel really hungover,” Das says.

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Ambien (zolpidem) is among the most popular — and potent — sleeping pills for travel. Classified as a sedative-hypnotic drug, Ambien works by slowing down your brain, making it easier for you to fall asleep. It comes in two forms, Ambien and Ambien CR (controlled release), both of which require a prescription.

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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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They include:
  • Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).
  • Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).


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Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that causes drowsiness in most people. Some people use Benadryl for this side effect if they have trouble sleeping (insomnia), but this is not recommended long-term. The drowsy or sedation effect typically lasts about 8 hours, but may persist into the next day if taken at night.

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If you suffer from allergies, consider a non-sedating antihistamine instead, such as loratadine (Claritin®) or fexofenadine (Allegra). Claritin and Allegra do not have wait times (after the initial ground trial).

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These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

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If you aren't sure whether your medication falls into one of these categories, you should check with your AME:
  • Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan.
  • Most antidepressants. ...
  • Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin.
  • Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril.


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For patients taking dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine for motion sickness: Take this medicine at least 30 minutes or, even better, 1 to 2 hours before you begin to travel.

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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

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The short answer is no. The neck pillow is designed to limit the movement of your head. This is great while you're awake. But while you are sleeping, it could result in tight muscles.

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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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