we have done the bos to bkk via narita 9 times....we leave bos usually about noon and get to bkk about midnight....its a killer and so is the next day....but it can be done....we take prescription sleeping pills on the trans pacific segment and find it helps quite a bit...

am in thailand now and flew from boston via paris, both were nite flights which were far superior to going the other way during the day....left bos at 8PM arrived bkk at 4PM with a full day outside paris in a rental car....sleeping pills on both segmants....18 hours 10 minutes flying time total----FANTASTIC!!!

air france was the airline

Julies-sounds like your on the JFK-BKK flight. just did it. One meal after an hour, wait 9-10 hours, another meal and then a final light meal 4-5 hours later. Snacks available often. Sleep after first meal.

First of all, remember that we are talking about two things that will affect how you feel in Asia

1. sleep deprivation

2. circadian cycle shift

Since this is essentially a day for night shift, you may not notice much difference in the amount of jet lag one way vs. the other. The variables that affect our perception of jetlag include the complexity of the cognitive tasks we are called upon to perform (usually more complex at home on the job) and sleep continuity or lack thereof.

I agree with several others who suggest you get a good night's sleep at home. Personally I don't take (nor endorse) the use of sleeping pills on the plane for a number of reasons. I will assume you have done your research and know the risks and benefits.

The one medication that may be of benefit to you is melatonin. It is available over the counter in the US. It's the only thing that actually shifts your circadian cycle - IF you are a responder. I'm a responder, and I find it virtually eliminates the jetlag. If you want to try it, take the smallest dose you can find, (typically 2 or 3 mg) about 30 minutes before you want to fall asleep in the new time zone. So you would take it as soon as you get to your hotel in Bangkok, then take it when you want to fall asleep each night for the next three nights. SOme people continue to take it during the whole time they are in the new time zone. Also, make sure you get exposure to early morning light.

I don't understand why people care if someone takes a sleep aid or not. it's a personal decision.

rhhkk and others---would love details on BOS PARIS HANOI connections! Sounds good.

The meds have never worked for me! I have tried them to and from Asia, Europe, and Africa. But my wife on the other hand, as soon as her butt hits the seat she it out like a light! Last time we flew Kansas City- Dallas-Tokyo-Bangkok, she slept a little on way to dallas, most of the way to nrt, then another 3 hrs to bkk! This woman could sleep standing up! Let me tell you it is VERY frustrating watching your wife sleep for hours while I am bored to tears! Then she wakes up mid way thru the bkk flight all mad because I didn't wake her up when the served the beer!
Good luck with watever you try and if it works let us know!

Yikes, I go away for a week and look at all the responses!! No jet lag after a week in the Virgin Islands - anyway, I have decided to go with the suggestion to stay up until after the snack on the 11 hour segment and then maybe pop half an Ambien (which works great for me and I can function after about 5 hours on it, luckily) sleep a bit, then sleep again during my layover in Bangkok. But first I have to do the math and make sure the time from the 11 hour segment to Bangkok works ok for the Ambien as I don't want to try taking it twice- hmmm, so many calculations and I do appreciate all the suggestions- what a great message board this is!!

Cookiew,

I hope you visited St John. We are building a house there.

Peachey- visited??? We stayed there for the fifth time at Maho Bay in one of the Harmony studios. Its our idea of heaven! Tons of rain and wind last week but otherwise fabulous. Try Sweet Plantains in Coral Bay if you haven't already for fantastic food.