I'm looking for guidance from anyone who has been faced with the following dilemma. Traveling to France next month with departure time of 9:30 PM. I have spoken to my dr. and he has prescribed Halcion. Said he has used it himself and does not leave you groggy after 4 or 5 hours of sleep on the plane. I have also read some encouraging things about Melatonin, the natural remedy for this problem. BUT, I haven't been able to find out just how "knocked out" you might be by using Melatonin. I know from past experience that with no sleep, I will be a zombie the first day or two in France. Should I try both before leaving home? Suggestions please! Thanks.

I would change doctors! First of all, Halcion hasn't been Rx'd for years! Second, either Ambien or Sononta, are two very safe and effective sleep meds that will not (with at least four hours of sleep) leave you feeling groggy or "knocked out." <BR> <BR>Look up PI for either drug for possible side effects or drug interactions. <BR> <BR>One word of "caution" is not to take a sleep med until the flight is in the air, and to alert flight attendant that you are taking sleep me (so that s/he will not wake you for a reason other than an emergency) -- that way you will have a pleasant sleep across the Big Pond and wake up feeling refreshed. <BR> <BR>But Halcion??? NO WAY!!! <BR> <BR>P.S. Good idea a try the meds before you leave.

I take melatonin all the time...it works great...I do notice however that if awoken too soon after taking it I feel a little groggy...otherwise I notice that I get a great nights sleep and awake feeling great with no other side effects. Try taking it before you leave to see how you feel. I take it about 1 hour before bed time.

Diane, <BR>I, too, am a fan of Melatonin. It didn't leave me feeling groggy. (It didn't really knock me out for the night; I woke-up a few times, but went back to sleep easily). <BR> <BR>I have taken a prescrition sleeping pill (can't remember which one) , but found it to be too strong. I was groggy most of the day and slept in a sort of dark dreamless state. Of course, a lot depends on your system, but I prefer melatonin.

I've had good luck with both Melatonin & Halcion (I usually have a hard time sleeping without some sleep aid when we fly). <BR> This Spring we had great success with Melatonin, but the directions were rather complicated as one has to get the correct dosage (we took something like 1/4th of a pill), start taking it about 3 days prior to departure, & take it AT THE RIGHT TIME, depending upon how many time zones you have to cross & which direction you're traveling.. See www.ricksteves.com/tips/melatoni.htm. <BR> My doctor gave me a small prescrition for Halcion & it worked beautifully (I only took 1 but had no drugged feeling the next day). <BR> Good luck. <BR> Susan <BR>