Marilyn

I take 5mg, either a whole 5mg pill or half a 10mg pill. In my experience, Ambien seems to have different effects on different people, not based on body weight. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY!

Linda0515

I take Ambien (just half the lowest-dosage tablet) a couple of nights each week on average, but even with a full tablet, twice my usual dosage, I can't sleep on a plane--I just can't get comfortable. Just a caution that even if these things work at home, they may not work on a plane.

A couple of suggestions that others haven't mentioned--I always bring along a crossword puzzle book, one with a variety of puzzles, and that really helps pass the time. Also, if you like to do any kind of needlework (knitting, crochet, needlework), bring that along. Just don't bring scissors to cut the thread--nail clippers are acceptable and work fine. And don't forget about the movies shown on the plane. At least two will be shown, maybe three, and while they're usually not Academy Award caliber, probably at least one will be a decent diversion for a couple of hours. I've been fortunate to fly a couple of times on a long USAirways flight with "on demand" movies (the screen is in the seat in front of you above the tray table). There was a really nice selection--perhaps a dozen movies altogether.

GoTravel

I can also vouch for the 1/2 of the 10mg Ambien or a 5mg ambien.

You can purchase an eye mask at Brookstone or online at Brookstone.com. For $35 it is one of my all time best investments and I'm on my third one.

It is a modified version of the one NASA guys wore in space while they slept.

Marilyn

GoTravel, in what way is the eye mask from Brookstone different from the ones they give you in overnight amenity kits? (I have at least 20 of those.)

GoTravel

The strap is about 1 1/2 inches wide. The filling is this stuff that supposedly molds to your face and the outside is sort of a velvety fine polar fleece. It is Tempor-Pedic whatever that means.

I'll try and find the link from Brookstone.

wsoxrebel

GoTravel, it seems like our quest for the good life continues to coincide. My fanciest eyemask has an aromatherapy slot where I can insert a cute little cloth dabbed with lavendar essential oil to relax me. Then I can choose from several nature sounds from the earplugs. I keep the normal $5 eyemasks in every suitcase because the family always wants whatever I have (and I don't want to share!)

GoTravel

From the Brookstone.com website:

Tempur-Pedic® Eye Mask

Brookstone sku # 234393

Tempur-Pedic® material conforms to the shape of your face to comfortably shut out every last bit of light. Relax on the plane or enjoy deeper sleep at home?even during the day. Our Tempur-Pedic mask uses your body heat to conform to the contours of your face and shut out all harsh, disturbing light. Soft velour cover and Tempur-Pedic padding soothe and comfort tired eyes. Elasticized strap with Velcro® closure ensures a snug fit that sends a clear message to others??Do Not Disturb.?

PRICE: $35.00

travellyn

Another vote for Ambien. Half of a 10mg tab works great for me on long flights. I take it right after supper on an overnight flight. (NOT BEFORE getting on the plane! My brother once took one when his flight was called; when there was a delay of a few minutes, he couldn't stand up when it was time to board.)

It's definitely worth trying out in advance. My husband threw up the only time he tried it. Like the poster above, I also feel groggy with benadryl and other OTC sleep aids. Ambien is the only thing that's helped me sleep without wiping me out later. I don't drink alcohol if I'm going to take an Ambien. If you have a fairly high tolerance for alcohol, you might need a whole 10mg.

Marilyn

I don't let the Ambien stop me from having a glass of wine if I want, and haven't noticed any ill effects.

The first time my husband took Ambien it knocked him out pretty solidly for about 3-4 hours. Same dose equals light sleep for me. Do I need to say that he is much larger and weighs more? So try it out...

BTilke

I tried Ambien for a flight from Chicago to London and it didn't help me at all; if anything, I felt more awake than on my trip from London to Chicago. As several others have noted, try any drug at home at least a week before the flight to see how you do with it.
The only sure-fire sleep aid for me is staying up all night (or almost) the night before the flight. I do last minute chores, surf on the net and send emails to everyone, get all the laundry done, anything that keeps me up til at least 5 am. After that, I sleep fine on the plane. But this works best if your flight is fairly early in the day.