I'm taking my kids, ages 17 & 20, to China in a month. My daughter, age 20, isn't too crazy about a 12 hour flight and would like to sleep most of the flight.

I've talked about not wanting to mess up the body's natural clock, etc, but she is insistent on wanting to sleep. So...what ideas do you have for sleeping during a long flight in coach? I'm speaking medications, not a good book...!

Thanks in advance for all your ideas...I love this website.

There are medical aids she can get from her doctor. There are also OTC sleeping aids, just make sure to check the ingredients and try it out a week or two before the flight as some can have the opposite effect, not do anything at all, or she could have a reaction to it. If she's taking any other medication (especially allergy meds), they can change the effect also.

Also, if you do a search on "red eye flights" or "sleeping" & "plane" in the different forums, you will find some other useful tips for her.

I have never heard of a 17 year old who had any problems sleeping anywhere.....be careful regarding medications....she may not want to wake up when the plane lands.

When we went to China we had less trouble adjusting to the time zone in China, as we did when we returned to the US. I think it was the excitment of seeing everything. What a wonderful trip for young adults.

Over-the-counter you can try Benadryl or melatonin - varying results but in general safe (obviously unless other medications, conditions, etc.) Benadryl is the medication in things like Tylenol PM and most OTC sleep aids.

By prescription you are talking about either standard sleeping pills - Ambien, etc. or minor tranquilizers of the Valium family (Valium, Ativan, etc.)

Her MD might be willing to prescribe one or 2 doses of above even over the phone - unless she is like many 20 year olds (mine included) who has yet to establish a professional relationship with an internist (over pediatrician). S/he might be less willing to prescribe, but it is worth a call.

If she takes prescription, she should take it near beginning of flight and then should have no trouble being alert when she arrives. Caution her against alcohol with either of possibilities, even if you are sure she does not drink. Hangover-type feeling may occur with prescription solution, but most people say this is minimal if it exists at all.

We took Ambien on the flight from SFO to Beijing and return in Mar/Apr for the first time: we shall never travel internationally without Ambien again and I'm a therapeutic nihilist.
M (MD; SMdA, Gto.)

Thank you all for your suggestions...I need to ask Mikemo, without being humorous (well, ok, a little bit) isn't Ambien the one that gives you the munchies in your sleep....has anyone experienced this?

Claro, but put the eater on the window and keep your seat belts fastened, lol.
M

good idea to give any meds a trial run. I know that Benadryl keeps me from sleeping......so I don't take products containing it. I vote for Ambian, and breaking the pill in half and taking just a half after you've had your meal and want to sleep.