What is Melatonin ?? Some of you guys use it to go to sleep on the planes and some use it for jet lag (I guess to wake you up ) It sounds like some strange drug to me - but hell if it works I'll try it !

I believe that is a natural supplement..Unfortunately Melatonin does not works for me..I tried taking it in different forms, pills, the sublingual, nothing..it makes me feel like a Zombie..horrible feeling..Many tried it without any problems..They are the lucky one...

Melatonin, is the naturally occuring hormone in the body that increases as we get tired and are ready for sleep.

The theory is that increasing melatonin at bedtime is a more natural method of inducing sleep, than other types of sleeping "pills" it usually doesn't have as long lasting an effect in most people, as other sleep aids often do.

It can be purchased wherever vitamins & supplements are sold. Taking a small dose at the right time usually works, but it's best to combine it with low light/sleep mask on the plane.

It works best for overnight flights because you are in your normal sleep cycle anyway. Take it about 1/2 hour before you want to sleep, then put on your sleep mask and earplugs for best effect.

For further info try this site:
http://www.melatonin.com/

Melatonin is definitely to aid you in going to sleep, not waking you up. I slip 2 under my tongue (chewables) before getting onto the flight and am usually conked out for the entire thing. Also, I am not drowsy when I land, which makes getting from gate to gate much easier.

I recommend you try it a couple of times before flying to see how it effects you. I used to use it in high school the day before a competition so as not to be drowsy, so I knew it worked for me.

There have actually been several randomized and placebo-controlled trials (studies) of the effects of Melatonin on jet lag reported in professional literature.

Unfortunately, because melatonin is readily available and also not patentable, getting funding for some of these studies has not been easy.

Eight of the studies found less jet lag after melatonin.


A variety of adverse affects have been reported inclduign daytime sleepiness, headache, and appetite loss.

It has been difficult to determine whether these were actual drug side effects or were symptoms of the underlying jet lag. In one study, a man developed difficulty in swallowing and breathing 20 minutes after the first dose of melatonin.