Should I take melatonin on a long haul flight?

Some people find taking a sleeping tablet or melatonin can help on a plane. This is a very personal choice. Before taking sleeping medication or melatonin you should see your doctor, and only take what's prescribed for you.



People Also Ask

Taking a melatonin supplement when you first get on a flight— if traveling overnight—is a great way to ease yourself to sleep, so you wake up refreshed and rested when you land. However, this should only be done for flights longer than 6 hours, as this is how long it takes melatonin to leave your system.

MORE DETAILS

But here's what one paper recommends based on multiple studies: For eastbound flights up to 9 hours long: Prepare before the flight: Take 5 mg of melatonin, wake up earlier, and get bright light exposure. Day of the flight: take 5 mg of melatonin at 6 p.m.

MORE DETAILS

Taking a melatonin supplement when you first get on a flight— if traveling overnight—is a great way to ease yourself to sleep, so you wake up refreshed and rested when you land. However, this should only be done for flights longer than 6 hours, as this is how long it takes melatonin to leave your system.

MORE DETAILS

The best thing you can do to prevent jet lag is to get a lot of sleep the night before your flight. If you board the plane sleep deprived, you're less likely to fall asleep when you want to on the flight, and less likely to stay asleep. Not getting enough rest before a trip starts you at a disadvantage already.

MORE DETAILS

How to Sleep on a Long Plane Flight: Here Are 24 Tips You Should Try
  1. Reserve a window seat. ...
  2. Try to get a seat with an empty spot beside you. ...
  3. Book nonstop flights. ...
  4. Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. ...
  5. Make sure your seat belt buckle is visible. ...
  6. Decline the meal. ...
  7. Don't watch movies. ...
  8. Use earplugs.


MORE DETAILS

I recommend melatonin as a natural supplement to my patients with flight-related anxiety. Melatonin induces sleep and adjusts your circadian clock to help you function better when you reach your destination.

MORE DETAILS