Took dormicon once - never again.

Self hypnosis on layover.

Crew oxygen during flight, KLF and the Fugees, good adventure book - preferably with large print and lots to eat and drink.

Beware anything that gives you wind as once gorged on prunes only to f**t my way across the Atlantic and fall asleep during descent - on my annual route check - fortunately check pilot didn't notice (probably napping as well).
Biggest danger was driving home and our company installed a dormitory although it wasn't always used for the designed purpose.

Dormicum
 

Tell us BP, about your experience with Dormicum. I've been flying long haul 747 for over 20 years and my experience with Dormicum has been nothing but positive if used correctly.

With the limited time on overnights, after crossing several time zones, there is no possible way that you can reset your body clock. The FAA and several other agencies have recognized the problems and using a sleep aid correctly. Taking controlled naps during a flight. Having a bag of mints, which act as a "wake up" aid. Are all time proven. My prep talk to the crew was, "if you feel tired, take a look at the other member/members and make sure someone is awake before you nod off. If you have to make an announcement to the crew you're taking a 45 minute nap, then most times, you'll be unable to sleep. Go figure.

Back to Dormicum, if used correctly, it will provide a good solid 4 hours of sleep and by the time you go to work, it will have flushed out of your system and not detectable in a screen. it's very short acting and not prudent to take if not laying in bed and ready to sleep.

What's better, to be awake and coherent during a flight and especially the approach and landing or to pretend to man it up and be pure.

After flying for 30+ years and spending the nights watching the crew completely knocked out, I believe it's better to be well rested regardless of the means needed.