Some definitely do, but the most effective sleep aid is getting a good workout in every day on the road. Ambien and other pharmaceuticals are regulated by the FAA, which makes that difficult. Melatonin is not regulated and therefore more common. Again, a good exercise routine does wonders for me.

 

I could see that, routine seems to do the body good...

 

I’m not saying this as a poster on a public forum but I don’t think very many, if any, are actually dropping ambien type meds on the road. It’s got at least a 48 hr limitation as I recall and those kind of meds can cause false positives on random drug screens. I know plenty who use them after a trip, however.

I’ve used melatonin in the past but found it doesn’t really help. Exercise and abstaining from alcohol are the biggest factors for me…and slam clicking on layovers. It sux but often way better on the body to sleep vs committing to arbitrary plans. Careful use of caffeine too.

 

Agreed. I hate being anti-social on trips but sleep is precious and alcohol wreaks havoc on me these days.

 

I on the other hand smoke cigars, drink like a fish, eat like John Candy and sleep like a baby once I slap on that CPAP. Only one of the aforementioned habits reigns true. CPAP does wonders as does exercise of course. Stupid machine has been a life saver…

 

In our line of work, lifestyle choices made today determine whether you’re one of those guys that lives well into their late 80’s or dies in their early 60’s. A tobacco user, heavy habitual drinker, poor diet, sleep apnea, Night Shift worker. I have no doubt you’re probably a lot of fun on a layover but brother, you ain’t sustainable. JMHO

 

If I were that guy now, definitely a dead man.

 

You are correct no doubt, solid advice and needed it during college. My apologies as you missed my “only one of the aforementioned habits reigns true” comment, I was vague. CPAP is my only indulgence if you will of the criteria of four. Self righteous I am not, but drink less than most any pilot I know except flights on Emirates, Singapore, Lufthansa, etc. (US Carriers just don’t bother). Cigar maybe twice a year, superb food yes but in minor quantities, never a hub turn guy and our outfit is much less efficient than Brown or Purple or any Major so I enjoyed longer sleepovers/layovers hiking around pre-viral of course. Night Hub Turns can’t be good especially with an accelerated schedule back to back monotony. No worries/pressure getting to work or hotel/crash pad to pay for and I don’t live in a domicile. I was a lot of fun during college times I kid you not, quite boring now just walking the countryside. Always enjoy coming to “work” if you can call it that and actual traveling not out-n-backs, ground hog days or merry go round satellite ops if you will. Once again that lifestyle you highlighted is not sustainable and you can actually see it on those who push it. No sense accelerating yourself into a coffin with bad choices or real work stresses. Thx for the callout/reach out and hopefully it gets to those who should follow it.

 

FTv3 is right as it relates to night flying (12am-7am). You are not going to last long in this business if flying nights and committing excesses. You stick to exercise, a healthy routine, and most importantly lots of sleep, you will be fine. The more I think about it, this job (UPS and Fedex) is not for everyone. One thing is absolutely certain, regardless of personal opinions, human bodies are not meant to be working all night and sleeping while the sun is up, our bodies are simply not meant to function that way. In reality, there should be a premium on this type of flying, call it hazard pay if you will. I would love to see the mortality rate of guys upon retirement.

 

Could be hogwash and probably is, but wasn’t there something about pure hub turn folks living on average 18 years beyond early retirement at 60 (=78) vs working til 65 and living 5 years less (=73). Heart attacks, Stroke, etc. not motorcycle, ladder, chainsaw accidents. Wives tail perhaps, but someone needs to ask the pension folks as they have true data. Curious myself as you can see the wear and tear on many of my friends and it’s unsettling.