View Full Version : jet-lag -melatonin can help
If this starts in Medical hardly anyone will read it but there is considerable interest in treating jet-lag with a natural hormone called melatonin. I am not sure if this has been covered as I come up against the dreaded less than 4 word message using search feature. Clearly piots and crew must be the most vulnerable to this and you shoulld keep an interest in what develops in this field.
mini-jumbo
10th Apr 2008, 18:20
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=316324&highlight=melatonin
Not sure if this helps, but loads of threads with the keyword melatonin
Read an article in a magazine a while back, I forget which one but the key point was AVOID! Not licensed for sale in the UK (Doesnt make it illegal I know), mainly due to unknown effects over long term use.
Shunter
10th Apr 2008, 19:03
And don't go through Dubai with it either. Despite it being available over the counter in said backward, draconian location, there are currently persons in custody for a long time for transiting through there with it.
Shunter, thanks for the reminder, going through there next week, need to empty out my toilet bag.
Cheers
Mutt
It is also being increasingly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children alongside Ritalin.
Have had varying degrees of success with Nytol when re-aligning after nightshi(f)ts, probably not a healthy thing to make a regular habit of but then neither is staying up all night fixing planes I guess. Failing that a bottle of red wine usually knocks me out nicely........
m_heldon
10th Apr 2008, 22:31
Melatonin used to be prescription in Australia, but is now available as homeopathic medicine, since the tablets are only 3mg.
I have found Melatonin useful for jet lag (not for regular use) - I take 4 tablets, as one seems to have little effect, and I only take it when I am not already sleepy - like if I am wide awake at 2am and need to sleep.
I rarely get more than 4 hours sleep from the use of Melatonin tablets, but that can make the difference when fronting up to a client the next morning!!
Wangja
10th Apr 2008, 23:07
As SLF I have used it on long haul flights (and a couple of days after) for many years. It helps.
On the flight, I usually try and knock myself out to avoid what is gennerally a wholly unpleasant experience - irespective of airline or class of travel.
Really interesting thread guys....this has been causing me problems for ages. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain to initiate sleep and being unlicenced means it is illegal to sell in the UK (also banned in most other countries outside USA). The problem with it (as with other hormone treatments) is that if you use it ...your body starts to reduce its own Melatonin production. Lots of other reported problems with liver damage, heart problems etc.Stay well clear of Melatonin.
I typed "Holiday sleep" into e-bay and got a real outside the box package .... "Jet Lag System" with loads more good stuff! Basically aimed at passengers but the pills work a treat but don't get the side effects headaches / dry mouth etc I get when I used to use Melatonin.
Also had some good fun with the "Crew member special request" postcard.
alosaurus
12th Apr 2011, 07:47
RMC...good call!
I have had bad experiences with Melatonin but the VR tabs supplied were excellent. The ear plugs that come with the kit are 39 DB noise reduction (never seen any that high)....different shape actually stay in you ear at night. Stickers were pretty useless (the SCCM didn't find them at all funny):)
300-600
20th Jul 2012, 08:49
Don't touch Melatonin...this is a ticking time bomb.It is banned in most countries.
Valarian Root tabs have no side effects....but for most people have no positive effect on sleep either.
If I am tired and I give my body the required conditions for perfect rest then I will sleep.
- Cool temperature
- No light
- No noise
- No stress
air conditioned hotel room sorts out no1
The best bang for the aviation buck sorts out nos 2 & 3 a gadget called Sleep Master.....its a patented offering from the US .The only place I can find it locally is Amazon.co.uk
Alcohol temporarily deals with no 4!:ok:
Loose rivets
20th Jul 2012, 15:41
Melatonin gives me bad, bad dreams. Horrible stuff, don't think of messing with it.
Zoyberg
27th Jul 2012, 20:51
One of my buddies in the sandpit suggested Actifed antihistamine rather than melatonin (and I agree with the above ...the latter makes me dehydrated...dry eyes and a headache). Interested in any medical views on this?
Got one of these Sleep Master packs though and have to say I don't think there is a better way of protecting your sleeping environment.Whilst it can't make you sleep if you have gone past the point... or are out of your time zone it eliminates light better than anything on the planet...and the dual noise reduction really takes the edge off ambient noise. Not cheap at £20...depends how much of a light sleeper you are I guess.
and the dual noise reduction really takes the edge off ambient noise. You mean the ear-plugs???? This thing is a waste of money, my own airline supplied eye shades and ear plugs are better......
Mutt
Actifed antihistamine ...I believe this is used in products to reduce the symptoms of colds such as Night Nurse. Prolonged use has been shown to have a long term effect on mental processing...use with caution...and never before a duty as your reaction times are snail like.
cambridge
30th Jul 2012, 20:44
vs69 (http://www.pprune.org/members/60710-vs69)
Melatonin is available in the UK and can be prescribed under the NHS. It works for some and not others............
Cambridge - If we have a doctor in the house I'd be interested in your view on Actifed antihistamine a buddy of mine in the ME is using this stuff but all the negative evidence I've heard about it seems to be anecdotal? Is it safe or not? Melatonin makes me seriously dehydrated.
300-600 - I'm with you on the Sleep Master..if you type Sleep Mask in to Amazon.com its easily the best seller in the US . That said they advertise it as reusable / washable (implication being its a one off purchase) but after six months of regular use it does become grubby ...even if you look after it.
I bought my last one from a UK supplier on ebay as it was its cheaper, came with better ear plugs and took a couple of days rather than a couple of weeks to arrive.
Zoyberg
23rd Aug 2012, 14:05
RMC : Actified Antihistamine is not found in night nurse...so still no wiser as to whether its safer than Melatonin. Come on Doctors help me out on this.
300-600 : You can get the Sleep Master cheaper (and quicker) from ebay.co.uk. Mine is still going strong despite almost daily useage. Only problem is you only get one pair of ear plugs 39 decibel ear plugs ...so if you loose one your stuffed.