dutyfree is absolutely right! take precautions on medicines you take when you travel, specially so if they make you sleepy, and therefore, unaware of what's happening around you. One tip i have adapted while I travel is to relax your body and a power nap for an hour or 2 really helps. However, if you have more time, I suggest going to your destination 2 days earlier to let your body adjust.

I would never try to talk anyone into anything, but you did ask what our tips were. Also please know that Valium or Xanax are not "sleeping pills" and they do not make you "unaware of what's happening around you". They are in the anti-anxiety family and just calm you down a little, so sleep can come easier. Honestly without them I would not be able to travel.