Sleeping tablets for flights might sound like a great idea to get a good night’s sleep on a long flight. But the tight quarters, noise in the cabin, time change and travel stress can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
It is important to be aware of the potential benefits, risks and alternatives available to UK travellers. Some people find that medication can help them sleep, but it is not always the best choice to take sleeping pills on a plane.
In this guide, we will discuss if sleeping pills can be taken on a flight, the various types of sleep aids, the importance of melatonin in jet lag and how to get better sleep while traveling.
Can You Take Sleeping Tablets on a Plane?
Prescribed sleeping medication may be carried by passengers, subject to the airport security, airline and destination country regulations. But it is not the same to be permitted to bring medication on a plane as it is to be recommended to take it on a plane.
Sleeping pills may make you sleepy, dizzy, confused and less alert. They can have a longer lasting effect than you might think, and you may feel groggy when you arrive. Some medicines can also interact with alcohol or other medications.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends that passengers think about the health effects of flying and medication. For passengers who are worried about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), regular movement is important during a long flight, but can be more difficult with sedation.
Before taking sleeping tablets for a flight, speak to your GP or pharmacist. They can advise you if a specific medicine is appropriate for you, based on your health, current medications, and travel itinerary.
Read the official CAA guidance on air travel and your health for more information.
Can You Use Animal Sleeping Pills for a Flight?
Never use a drug that is prescribed for animals as a sleep aid for yourself. Veterinary medicines can have different ingredients or concentrations and can have serious side effects in humans.
If you’re travelling with a pet, speak to a vet before giving it any sedatives or sleeping medication. Air travel may be dangerous for sedated animals and your airline may have rules about transporting animals.
Please consult a qualified health care professional before using sleep aids on an airplane.
Should You Try Sleeping Tablets for the First Time on a Flight?
If you are thinking about taking sleeping tablets for flights, do not use the plane as your first time taking a sleeping pill. You might not realise how it will impact your alertness, coordination or how you feel when you wake up.
Some medicines may make you sleepy, dizzy or confused for a long time, or they may interact with other medicines or alcohol. These effects can be especially distracting when traveling long distances, when you might need to get up and move around the cabin or follow instructions from the flight crew.
Talk to your GP or pharmacist before travelling if you are considering taking a sleep aid. If you have a prescription, take it as directed and ask if there are any precautions for air travel.
Remember that taking medication to make yourself sleep is not the same as treating jet lag. For many travelers, it might be more helpful to start by planning sleep around the time zone of the destination and by adopting some basic sleep habits.
See the CAA’s advice on air travel and health for more information.
Sleeping Pills for Flying UK: What Are Your Options?
There is no single sleep aid that is suitable for every traveller. The best way to do this will depend on whether you have trouble falling asleep, are worried about flying or are adjusting to a different time zone.
When choosing sleeping tablets for flights, take into account the side effects, travel plans and whether non-medication options are more appropriate.
1. Prescription sleeping tablets
Some sleep disorders may be treated with prescription sleeping pills, but they are not routinely prescribed to help passengers fall asleep on a plane.
Certain medications may lead to severe drowsiness, loss of coordination, confusion or dependence. They may also make it difficult to respond quickly in an emergency.
Your GP can discuss your situation and the risks. Never take someone else’s medicine, use a new sleeping tablet for the first time on a flight or take a higher dose than prescribed to fall asleep for a longer period.
If you are already using a prescription sleep aid, consult your healthcare provider about how to use it safely during your flight.
2. Pharmacy sleep aids
Certain sleep medications for the pharmacy are sedating antihistamines. Although these may make you feel sleepy, they can also cause dizziness, dry mouth, impaired concentration and next-day drowsiness.
They do not necessarily make a person safer than taking prescription drugs, especially if taken with alcohol or other sedating drugs.
Before traveling, consult a pharmacist to see if a specific product is suitable for you, and use it according to the instructions.
3. Melatonin on a plane
Melatonin is a hormone that helps control the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It is sometimes used for some short-term sleep disorders and can be prescribed for jet lag in adults.
But melatonin on a plane is not a sure sleep aid. The effects of it are partly dependent on when you take it in relation to your body clock and destination time zone.
Melatonin is a prescription-only drug in the UK. It can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea or tiredness the following day. Consult a health care provider before using it for travel, particularly when taking other medication or having an underlying health condition.
You can find more information in the NHS guides to melatonin and jet lag.
What Is the Best Sleep Aid for Flights?
The best sleep aid for flights is not necessarily a tablet. For many travellers, a combination of preparation, comfort and sensible sleep habits is a better starting point than medication.
Before your next trip, think about these:
- Eye mask: Helps block out cabin lighting and other visual distractions.
- Noise-reducing headphones or earplugs: May make it easier to relax in a noisy cabin.
- Travel pillow: Supports your head and neck when sleeping upright.
- Comfortable clothing: Loose layers can help you feel more comfortable as cabin temperatures change.
- A suitable sleep schedule: Plan your rest around the local time at your destination, particularly on long-haul journeys.
- Relaxation techniques: Slow breathing, calming audio or reading may help you unwind without medication.
Don’t use alcohol to get sleepy. It can cause drowsiness at first, but may also make sleep less restful and increase tiredness.
If you’re looking for more practical tips, check out our article on How to Sleep on a Plane. This article will discuss some practical tips to make your trip more comfortable and increase your likelihood of sleeping without drugs.
Are Sleeping Tablets Safe on Long-Haul Flights?
When you are spending a lot of time in a small space, sleeping tablets may have other factors to consider.
Reduced movement and DVT risk
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. The risk can be higher when travelling for long periods of time, especially for those who have other risk factors.
Sedation may make you less likely to change position or get up to move around. Where it is safe to do so, move your legs regularly, perform simple in-seat exercises and walk around the cabin when permitted.
If you have a history of blood clots or other risk factors, seek medical advice before travelling. For more information, please refer to the CAA’s guidance on air travel and your health.
Drowsiness after landing
Some sleeping medicines continue to affect you after you wake up. This is especially relevant if you have to pick up your bags, get around an unfamiliar airport, look after children or drive after landing.
Never drive if you are still affected by a sedating medicine. Inquire from your doctor or pharmacist about the duration of its effects.
Interactions with alcohol and other medicines
Many sleeping medications can have a sedative effect when combined with alcohol. When taken together, they can lead to excessive sleepiness and other serious side effects.
Never take sleep aids with alcohol or other sedating medications unless a qualified health care provider has told you it is safe.
Difficulty responding in an emergency
Passengers must be able to follow the instructions of the cabin crew. Sedation may cause confusion and loss of coordination, and certain medications may cause excessive confusion or make it hard to wake up.
Before making a decision about medication for your journey, you should consider these risks.
Can a UK GP Prescribe Sleeping Tablets for Flying?
A GP can evaluate sleep problems and discuss appropriate treatment, but this does not mean that they will prescribe sleeping tablets for a flight.
Due to safety concerns, some medical practices in the UK do not prescribe sedatives for fear of flying or to aid sleep during air travel.
If you are unable to sleep because of anxiety, let your GP know. They can talk about the right kind of support for flight anxiety instead of just giving a sedative.
Your GP can also investigate if you have an ongoing sleep problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Do not purchase prescription drugs from untrustworthy websites or use someone else’s prescription.
Is Melatonin Better Than Sleeping Tablets for Jet Lag?
Melatonin and traditional sleep medications are not the same, and should not be used interchangeably.
While many traditional sleep medications are sedative, melatonin is used to help maintain the body’s internal clock. When crossing multiple time zones, timing may be critical.
Jet lag is the disruption of your normal sleep pattern due to the time difference between your home country and your destination. Symptoms may include daytime tiredness, difficulty sleeping at night, poor concentration and irritability.
The NHS says that medicines are generally not required for jet lag and that there is not enough evidence to recommend using melatonin for this purpose.
Therefore, consult a health care provider before determining if melatonin or another medication is right for you.
Other ways to minimise jet lag include:
- Getting plenty of rest before travelling.
- Adjusting your sleep schedule gradually when practical.
- Drinking enough water.
- Limiting caffeine, particularly close to your intended bedtime.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol.
- Following the local sleep and wake times at your destination.
- Getting daylight exposure at appropriate times after arrival.
Read the official NHS guide to jet lag for more information.
How to Travel With Sleeping Tablets From the UK
If you need to take sleeping medication with you, prepare before arriving at the airport.
Keep medication in its original packaging. This aids in the identification of the medicine and directions.
Take necessary medication in hand luggage. This helps to minimise the chance of losing it if your checked bag is lost or delayed, as per security and airline regulations.
Carry your prescription with you if necessary. It may be helpful to have a prescription or letter from your prescriber, especially for controlled medicines or if travelling overseas.
Verify the regulations of the country you are traveling to. Certain medicines that are prescribed in the UK are not available or have different requirements in other countries.
Check controlled-drug requirements. Some medicines for sleep may contain controlled drugs and further documentation or licences may be necessary depending on the medicine and destination.
Please refer to the official government advice on taking medicine in or out of the UK and the GOV.UK air passenger travel guide.
How to Sleep on a Plane Without Sleeping Tablets
If you don’t want to take medication, there are a few practical tips that can help you get some rest during your flight.
Choose your flight and seat carefully
If you have time, select a flight that matches your usual sleep schedule or one that lands at a time that is convenient for you to adjust to the destination.
A window seat might provide a place to rest your head and lessen the disturbance from other passengers. If you want to get up frequently, an aisle seat might be more convenient.
Create a comfortable sleep environment
Wear an eye mask, ear plugs or comfortable headphones to minimize distractions. You can also relax with a supportive travel pillow and an additional layer of clothing.
Avoid stimulants close to bedtime
Caffeine may make it more difficult to fall asleep, especially if you are sensitive to its effects. Try to steer clear of coffee, energy drinks and other caffeinated drinks in the lead up to sleep.
Keep your routine simple
Practice relaxation techniques like listening to quiet music, reading or doing slow breathing. If you are unable to sleep, it may be better to lie quietly while traveling.
Adjust to your destination’s time zone
If you are traveling a long distance, take into account the time of day at your destination when deciding when to sleep. Once you arrive, a regular local sleep pattern and daylight will help your body clock adjust.
For a complete set of practical tips, read our guide to How to Sleep on a Plane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping Tablets for Flights
How long do sleeping tablets last during a flight?
This depends on the medicine, its form and how you respond to it. Some medicines can continue to cause drowsiness after landing. Check with your GP or pharmacist how long the particular medicine might affect you before travelling.
Can you take sleeping tablets on a short-haul flight?
The same safety precautions apply to short-haul flights as to long-haul flights. When considering sleeping tablets for flights, think about whether you need medication and whether you will need to remain alert after landing.
Can you take sleeping tablets if you are travelling alone?
Sleeping tablets are not necessarily inappropriate for use when travelling alone, but they can make it harder to follow instructions, to manage possessions or to cope with unexpected events. Talk to a health care provider about your personal situation before taking sleep medication.
Can you take sleeping tablets with other prescribed medication?
Certain sleeping pills can interact with other drugs, especially drugs that make you sleepy. Always ask your GP or pharmacist if you can take two medicines together, and never take more or less of your medicines than you have been prescribed without professional advice.
What should you do if you cannot sleep on a plane?
If sleeping tablets for flights do not seem like the right option for you, consider using an eye mask and earplugs, adjusting your seating position, listening to calming music or practising slow breathing. Even if you cannot sleep, resting quietly may help you feel more comfortable during the journey.
Final Thoughts: Plan for Better Sleep Before You Fly
Sleeping tablets for flights may seem like a convenient solution, particularly if you have a long journey ahead. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and the risks can be more significant when you are sitting for long periods or need to remain alert.
Talk to your GP or pharmacist before taking sleeping pills for flying in the UK and see if non-medication options are available. Planning your sleep schedule, making your seat more comfortable and managing jet lag can all help to make your trip more enjoyable.
When selecting sleeping tablets for air travel, it is essential to be aware of potential risks and to consult with a healthcare professional.
We at World Flight Vibes know that a more comfortable flight begins with being well prepared. Read our travel guides for tips on flying, sleeping in the air and enjoying your next trip.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about medication and your individual circumstances.
