Thread: CAA Approved Sleeping Pill

I was just having a think... pilots who fly long haul and odd shift patterns sometimes find themselves having spells of sleeplesness and disrupted rest. It's very common and everyone who flies has probably had difficulty sleeping at some point, which leads me to the question- are there any forms of approved sleeping pills that pilots can use?

Many have sedating effects which leave you feeling groggy the next day, yet I read things like 'herbal' sleeping pills that are meant to avoid this side effect. I've also heard of hypotics which help you get off to sleep but don't sedate you like prescription sleeping pills.

Does anyone know of any approved by the CAA?

I've used melatonin in the past to help with jet-lag as a passenger and it did help although I don't know what the CAA's position is on it. It's a natural hormone but even so I wouldn't want to take it regularly. As for proper sleeping pills, I think if your job means you need them it's time to switch jobs! For me personally,to get an early night or squeeze in an hours sleep somewhere, apart from the obvious large glass of red wine, I'd stick a pair of headphones on and play a relaxation hynotherapy or meditation CD. You'll be at one with the universe and have had a lovely kip!

Paul

The reason I ask is primarily for dealing with the first day of a set of early shifts. For example, during days off and in a normal working week most people probably go to bed somewhere around 11 o clock (OK give and take several hours). So when you are due to get up at 3/4am on day 1 of earlies you can't force yourself to go to sleep at say 7 o clock on day one- your body clock just doesnt work.

So, my idea would be to take a sleeping tablet the night before to get you to sleep so you have a healthy nights sleep on day 1 of earlies. Generally shifts work something like 1 week of earlies and 1 week of lates so this tablet would only need to be taken once every 2 weeks.

Like you say they are a bad idea and its probably best to use alternative methods but its often easier said than done.

Must be a nightmare and admittedly a hypnotherapy CD might give you an hour's sleep during the day but probably wont send you off for the night 5 hours early. I'm sure they are probably a reality of life in airlines and fine every couple of weeks (I'm no expert on sleeping pills!) I'd just be a bit careful around them. I've known a couple of jittery people who can't sleep without them