Benadryl makes me drowsy in an hour's time so I'd be afraid to take ambien personally. I haven't taken Benadryl on a flight though. I know it really knocks me out that I need to sleep and then I wake up feeling woozy. I am just wondering with your connections if you the ambien will make you feel out of it if you don't get enough time to let it wear off.

francophile03: try taking 1/2 benadryl, as I do, and I go to sleep. Doesn't take much of anything for me and I am no little! I've never taken benadryl on a plane however,,,,just dont' need it .(occasionally at home, just 1/2!) On the plane I just rest, try to get comfortable, and doze a little(with a cozy neck pillow and one of those clean/dirty? blankets) (:>)....and know I am not going into a prolonged, deep sleep. The excitment of being in Europe takes care of things the next morning, and we walk around, eat a bite, and go to bed fairly early. I do often feel "fatigued" when arriving, but it all works out and I "survive". Keep smiling, and relax. Things VERY rarely go 100% perfect the first day in Europe....it's just fun being there.

francophile03: try taking 1/2 benadryl, as I do, and I go to sleep. Doesn't take much of anything for me and I am not little! I've never taken benadryl on a plane however,,,,just dont' need it .(occasionally at home, just 1/2!, and it Is for allergies)) On the plane I just rest, try to get comfortable, and doze a little(with a cozy neck pillow and one of those clean/dirty? blankets we have talked about on fodors.com) (:>)....and know I am not going into a prolonged, deep sleep. The excitment of being in Europe takes care of things the next morning, and we walk around, eat a bite, and go to bed fairly early. I do often feel "fatigued" when arriving, but it all works out and I "survive". Keep smiling, and relax. Things VERY rarely go 100% perfect the first day in Europe....it's just fun being there.

Loisco: just read again your flight schedule;;; you really DO have a long day from San Diego to Milan (with stops and changes) AND THEN on to Varenna!(you'll probably really get sleepy on the train to VArenna!)

I still wouldn't fool with the Ambien if I were you......but that is your personal choice. (or else try it first a week or so before your trip).

If you REALLY want to sleep on the plane just try different mild things before you leave home.

I am a chronic insomniac and also hate flying. I took ambien for awhile and it was okay. Then my doctor switched me to Lunesta because it is approved for longer term use. Although it is not recommended that you take sleep medication with alcohol I have certainly had wine and taken Lunesta. Although it has never made me sick, I believe that alcohol impairs sleep. It is easy to fall asleep but not stay asleep. Tylenol PM works but makes me feel like I have been beat up in my sleep. I really dislike the after affects. If it is anxiety over flying that you are feeling and you havew the connections, I would probably take a double dose of the Xanax and nothing else. If I double up on ativan and listen to my iPod, the flight is over before I know it. However, since my next transatlantic flight will be much longer I will probably opt for the Lunesta.

Let's back up and think about what it is we're trying to medicate for here. Hating to fly to my mind is better treated with an anti-anxiety (xanax). I don't think trying to sleep on a plane is necessarily the best goal.

I have never slept on a plane, and expect I never will. I have come to terms with that.

Where I think a true sleep medication (ambien, lunesta, etc.) could be handy is the first few nights in the new time zone, to get you on the local time and reduce the bad effects of jet lag.

Would never, ever, again fly internationally without Ambien. Missed two meals on Air China SFO-Beijing and return in Mar/Apr, but the sleep, and relaxed 1st and last day were well worth it.
Have our stash for Ar/Cl in Oct/Nov.
M (SMdA, Gto.)