Travel Notice: When using sleep aids for travel, consider the duration of your flight and your destination's time zone. Always test any new sleep aid before your trip to understand how it affects you.
Sleep Aid | Type | Travel Use | Timing | Duration | Prescription | Flight Safety | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Melatonin | Hormone | Jet lag prevention/treatment | Take at destination bedtime | 4-8 hours | No | High | Crossing time zones |
Zolpidem (Short-acting) | Prescription | Long flights | After takeoff for long flights | 4-5 hours | Yes | Moderate | Extended flights (>7 hours) |
Diphenhydramine | Antihistamine | Short flights | 30 minutes before desired sleep | 4-6 hours | No | Moderate | Shorter flights (<6 hours) |
Lavender | Natural | Mild relaxation | As needed | 2-3 hours | No | High | Anxiety during travel |
L-Theanine | Amino Acid | Travel anxiety | 1 hour before desired sleep | 3-4 hours | No | High | Travel-related stress |