Should you take melatonin on a flight?

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.



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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.

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As for taking sleeping pills on a plane, Oexman does not advise it. With pills like Ambien, people may find themselves sleepwalking or acting erratically with no knowledge.

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News Across the U.S.
  1. Cut down on your carry-ons. ...
  2. Skip the caffeine. ...
  3. Try a sleep aid. ...
  4. Stake your claim on blankets and pillows — or bring your own. ...
  5. Bring a neck pillow. ...
  6. Free Your Feet. ...
  7. Use Headphones with Discretion. ...
  8. Make sure you won't be disturbed.


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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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Take melatonin 20 to 30 minutes before sleep (for eastward travel, melatonin can also be taken en route, 30 minutes prior to the target bedtime at your destination. It doesn't need to be taken en route for westward travel).

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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.


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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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Distract yourself
Reading a book or listening to a good podcast can refocus your mind and attention. Distracting yourself from the fact that you are flying can be a great way to keep calm if you're a nervous flyer.. Time tends to pass much more quickly when adequately distracted.

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