Yo!
Anyone have a good hack for surviving a red eye flight? I believe it's a 6 hour flight, hour layover, then another 1 or 2 hour flight to my destination. Last time I tried magnesium + 5-HTP which did not put me to sleep and I was a mess the next day. I don't want to get a prescription sleep aid but I'm at a loss as to how to successfully sleep on the plane.
Thanks!
-
-
Views
9.5K -
Last Activity
503D AGO

Get FREE instant access to our Paleo For Beginners Guide & 15 FREE Recipes!
3 Answers
You need to adjust your circadian rhythm (tho i'm guessing you knew that already).
Some people have success with bright light therapy &/or melatonin.
Melatonin can be taken a few days before your flight as well, to tweak your circadian rhythm for the new time time.
There are quite a few pubmed studies on melatonin & jet lag, melatonin seems to work for some people, but not all.
Here are links to two studies;
1. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag
2. Use of melatonin in circadian rhythm disorders and following phase shifts
Thanks! Will check out the links. Just to clarify, my concern is more with the red eye and lack of sleep than jet lag. The time difference will only be 3 hours, which I can typically handle decently well. I usually avoid red eyes at all costs but with this particular trip I have no choice.
Forget herbal nonsense. I've also tried melatonin and it was a waste of money.
Here's what I do on long-haul flights: get Rx for Ativan, try to score an upgrade to biz class with miles or upgrade certificates, pop the pill and wash it down with a glass of wine, and sleep for 6-8 hours waking up rested without the bleary hangover of booze or something like Ambien. Even in coach/torture class I can get some decent sleep with Ativan or an equivalent.
I haven't done much research, but my mother has gone through a wide variety of sleep aids both prescription, OTC and natural and she just started taking Valerian Root and it works well for her. Again I don't know much about it but something to check out!
natureunchecked
(0)
on October 01, 2017
at 03:39 AM
I know this is an old thread, but I created an account and wanted to strongly advise against combining Ativan (lorazepam) and alcohol. It can lead to disorientation, decreased breathing, and/or death. The Ativan will be enought to help you drift off to sleep on a long flight.
al__1
(5)
on September 01, 2013
at 04:17 AM
Thanks! Will check out the links. Just to clarify, my concern is more with the red eye and lack of sleep than jet lag. The time difference will only be 3 hours, which I can typically handle decently well. I usually avoid red eyes at all costs but with this particular trip I have no choice.