U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

DH and I are going to be taking a 10:30pm flight from JFK to Heathrow and we'd like to actually sleep on the flight.

I only slept on a plane once, otherwise I'm awake. DH is a really light sleeper. I'm getting two of these U-shaped pillows:



Does anyone have one? Did it help you?

Also, does anyone have a recco for a good over-the-counter sleeping pill that won't knock me out for more than say 6 hours? I hate the feeling of waking up and being groggy. I've never taken a sleeping pill before and have no idea what to expect!

Thanks

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

U shaped pillows are an absolute must have.

I actually have inflatable ones from totes, which I love because when not in use, they fold up super small. They have a soft fleece cover like the one pictured.

I bought a store brand sleeping pill - I usually get ones that say the dosage is 2. Then you can take 1, which if you are sensitive, will not give you a 'hangover'. I have issues, so I usually take 3 :)

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

Love the u-shaped pillows. DH and I each have one, as much as they are a pain to schlep around, still better than having a pain in the neck. I also pack a large super light pashmina that I use as a blanket in case it is chilly on the plane.
I've never taken a sleeping pill, so can't help you there.

Enjoy your trip !

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

We use pillows like these for all long haul flights. It saves your neck and I tend to be able to stay asleep while using one.

As for sleeping pills. I've used over the counter stuff (simply sleep, ect) and prescription (ambien, xanax), the prescription stuff is way better. Just make sure to take it when you get off the ground. No sooner. God forbid there is a problem and they send you back the gate. You need to have your wits about you.


Enjoy your trip!

ETA: You can try melatonin if you don't wanna mess with medications. All natural and shouldn't make you groggy.

Message edited 8/15/2011 11:19:51 AM.

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

Melatonin sounds like a great option - we don't like to take pills unless we must. I was talking to my sister last night about Ambien and she said she wouldn't use it if I only had a total of 6 hours to sleep. So I'll look into the melatonin, thanks!

We bought two U pillows which will be here this week... a green one for me and a black one for DH. They have straps on the back so you can attach them to your carryon bag too. Looking forward to using it!!

Thanks so much ladies!

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

I do not recommend Ambien, esp if you have not taken it before. I find it very hard to wake up from (the 12.5 mg) on a normal basis.

If you want rx. - try lunesta, it's only for max 6 hours and I don't get a hung over feeling.

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

the pillows do help. I like benedryl as a sleep aid.

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?

Thanks ladies. We got the pillows and they seem a little too soft, like they're not going to hold our heads upright. I guess it's better than nothing.

I decided to stay away from prescription meds and I'm going for the Melatonin. It seems really tame, and I'm guessing Whole Foods probably has it.

Re: U-shaped pillow & pills for sleeping on flight?