Upthread somebody mentions synthetic melatonin. Rozerem a melatonin receptor agonist that's prescribed for people with chronic insomnia. I found that is also gave me nightmares/night terrors, just like naturally-ocurring melatonin, and also didn't help me fall asleep.

Of course, I don't suffer from chronic insomnia and was trying it to see if would help me sleep on the plane. Um, no, probably not.

But your mileage may vary.

I use benadryl, a sleeping mask, earplugs and a neck pillow. I usually also take 5 or 10 mg of Valium, which my doc gives me especially for traveling. I don't sleep well, but using these aids gives me a couple hours of sleep that I wouldn't have othewise. There's no question of any kind of grogginess or hangover, as my trips are so long.

I fly from Spokane, Washington, so going to Europe usually involves flying to a hub, then across the U.S., and finally to Europe, where I often connect with another flight. It's a bit of an ordeal, but I love visiting Europe.

Pain killers and alcohol don't mix - for a whole variety of reasons. In some cases they have the same route of metabolism, meaning you could be putting a real strain on your liver or kidneys. And is some cases they have additive physiological effects that could be harmful to some people (eg blood thinning, gut irritation). Just because you don't feel ill at the time doesn't mean you aren't doing yourself some long term damage.

You also shouldn't take alcohol with anxiolytics, as they are both respiratory depressants.

I would rather take a low dose of Ambien than any "natural" melatonin, as OTC supplements are not regulated. You don't know what strength they are, really, and what is the efficacy? Where were they produced and under what conditions? Did they use creek water in production? Lots of problems with so called natural supplements and I don't trust them at all.

I suggest Tylenol Simply Sleep. I never sleep on planes and I took this on an overnight to Amsterdam. For the fist time, I slept; 5 hours but it was better than no sleep at all. It doesn't have pain meds in it, only a sleep aid.

Ingredients in Tylenol PM have been known to trigger "Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)" in some users (myself included...). I would do a trial test before using on a long flight. It can a be a VERY uncomfortable feeling if "trapped" in a coach seat.....

At the end of the day, tiredness (due to missing one night's sleep on a flight) is not an illness and doesn't really need medicating.

I can't sleep on planes either, but would never take anything for it. If I have a slightly tired/groggy day at the other end (and it isn't by any means guaranteed that I will), so what? Better than taking unnecessary drugs, I think.