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wankel7 10-23-2021 01:54 PM


Originally Posted by fishn (Post 3313084)
In addition to melatonin anyone experimented with using blue light blocking glasses in cockpit and on the way to the hotel? I’ve read the blue light is what can hinder the bodies natural melatonin production. Wondering if a blue light blocking lenses with an amber tint could help?

I've been using them if I'm planning on going to bed at a normal bed time. I feel like it reduces eye strain also. I've been using them for a few months now. Although, mine are clear. I think prescription glasses can have blue light filtering added. I wonder if they can do that with contacts?

I've also turned on Night Shift or what ever the phone / tablets/ computers call their blue light reduction. I seems to make the screen less white and more brown.

I'm trying to become more careful about drinking water closer to bed time especially on back side of the clock flying.

Apparently, being awake during your normal sleep period can mess with the hormones that suppress the urge to pee while you sleep. So, being hydrated can lead to getting up several times to pee when you want to sleep.

AirBear 10-23-2021 04:52 PM

I went out on medical in Spring 2017 but prior to that the FAA would allow "Sonata (zaleplon) with certain restrictions. I used it for early wakeup's since I was a "night owl". I'll paste a description below, I did sometimes wakeup with a vengeance after about 4 hours but overall it was better than nothing. I have heard that melatonin only works via a "placebo" effect, I don't know if that's still considered true or not.

Sonata (zaleplon): It reduces the average time it takes to fall asleep by 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it is metabolized quickly and may wear off within 4 hours. This may make it attractive for awakenings that occur in the night, however.

OK, I got curious and checked the FAA's Guide for AME's. It says 12 hours from taking zaleplon to flying. Didn't used to be that way. It's still the most lenient of all prescription sleep aids thou. I'll link the website with the waiting times for all prescription sleep aids:

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...arm/sleepaids/

SideSticker 12-09-2021 08:09 PM

When i started international long haul flying i quit drinking coffee. I can almost sleep on command. Being old and tired all the time helps.

Recliner 12-12-2021 02:42 PM


Originally Posted by SideSticker (Post 3333632)
When i started international long haul flying i quit drinking coffee. I can almost sleep on command. Being old and tired all the time helps.

Poor caffeine planning cost me a sort nap :/

Live and learn.

Pilot4000 12-12-2021 03:08 PM

Two 1 mg Melatonin and two Advil, and I sleep for 8 hours.

rickair7777 12-12-2021 05:03 PM


Originally Posted by Pilot4000 (Post 3334843)
Two 1 mg Melatonin and two Advil, and I sleep for 8 hours.

??? I use advil if I'm sore... don't think it makes me sleepy.

Al Czervik 12-13-2021 07:11 AM

I’m not sure if it’s been said: less is more with melatonin. I never take more the 3mg.

Al Czervik 12-13-2021 07:17 AM


Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 3334869)
??? I use advil if I'm sore... don't think it makes me sleepy.

If you wear a cell phone holster and NB kicks, advil is required before all sleeps.

Pilot4000 12-13-2021 08:01 AM


Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 3334869)
??? I use advil if I'm sore... don't think it makes me sleepy.

It does me. Give it a try sometime.

rickair7777 12-13-2021 08:33 AM


Originally Posted by Pilot4000 (Post 3335122)
It does me. Give it a try sometime.

I often workout immediately before flying, and sometimes take advil after I workout. Hopefully it doesn't make me sleepy. It is FAA approved for use during flight duty.


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