Anxiety,stress,fear during flight - #20098
Hello Doctor, I have extreme anxiety about flying and I cannot sleep at all because of this fear. My flight is soon (prior 10 days)and without a sleeping aid, I don’t think I can manage the flight. I was considering melatonin 3 mg or another mild sleep aid, and I am very anxious about timing and effectiveness. Could you please advise what is safe for me and how to take it so I can sleep and manage my flight safely? I am 21 years old, weigh 78. Thank you.
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Doctors’ responses
Hello dear See it is just physiological due to increasing incidents of emergency crashes or height phobia. I suggest you to please engage your self in activities during flight time Read novels Start meditation Do physical exercise for good physical health Engage your self in social media During flight Avoid overthinking Donot watch on the window Read magazines Hopefully you will occur Regards
Hello,
Flight anxiety is very common and manageable.
Melatonin 1–3 mg is generally safe; take 30–60 minutes before sleep. Try it at home first to see how your body responds.
Non-medicine strategies to practice daily: slow breathing (4-7-8), grounding exercises, reassuring safety facts, seat choice, distraction (music/movies) Don’t google much about the same
I trust this helps Feel free to talk Thank you
Melatonin 3 mg is safe and appropriate for you
Start it now, nightly, not just on flight day
It helps sleep and reduces anxiety
Combine with breathing + routine for best effect
You do not need strong sedatives to fly safely
Better visit a physician nearest to you for physical evaluation.
Hello Hina, I understand your worry. My advise would be to not take advise online regarding this issue. Medicines which help in sleep initiation and maintenance must be prescribed after a physical consultation with a certified Physician or a Psychiatrist.
Taking such a medicine with online advise might do more harm than good. So kindly visit such a doctor for your betterment.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine
Hello Hina It’s understandable to feel anxious about flying, especially with a flight coming up soon. Melatonin can be a helpful option for sleep, as it’s a natural hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Here’s what you should know: - Dosage: A common dose for melatonin is 1-3 mg taken about 30-60 minutes before you plan to sleep. Since you mentioned 3 mg, that’s a typical starting dose. - Timing: Take it about an hour before you want to sleep. This can help you feel drowsy when it’s time to rest. - Effectiveness: Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It may help you fall asleep but might not keep you asleep for the entire night.
Additional tips for managing anxiety: - Relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching before your flight to help calm your nerves. - Distraction: Bring a book, music, or a movie to keep your mind occupied during the flight.
If you’re looking for alternatives to melatonin for sleep, here are a couple of options you might consider: 1. Valerian Root: This herbal supplement is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It can be taken in capsule or tea form about 30 minutes before bedtime. 2. Chamomile Tea: Drinking chamomile tea before bed can help calm your mind and prepare you for sleep. It’s a gentle option with a soothing effect. 3. L-theanine: This amino acid, found in green tea, can promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. It’s available in supplement form and can be taken before bed. 4. Magnesium: This mineral can help relax muscles and promote sleep. You can take magnesium supplements or consume magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. 5. Lavender: The scent of lavender is known for its calming properties. You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or apply it to your pillow.
Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine close to your flight. If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to ask!
Thank you
Sleeping aid can help with anxiety during flights, but it’s important to approach this carefully. Melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, is often used to help with sleep disorders and jet lag. At 3 mg, it’s generally considered safe for short-term use. You might find it helpful to take melatonin about 30 to 60 minutes before you wish to sleep. However, remember it doesn’t work for everyone, and its effectiveness can vary. Being a more natural remedy, it tends to have fewer side effects than prescription hypnotics. If you find melatonin insufficient, sometimes over-the-counter sleep aids like diphenhydramine are used for short flights. However, diphenhydramine might cause grogginess and is not recommended for everyone, especially if you need to stay alert after the flight quickly. Always ensure you’re not allergic to any medication or combine it with alcohol or other sedatives. Besides sleep aids, exploring cognitive behavioral techniques to manage your anxiety might prove invaluable. Start practicing diaphragmatic breathing or progressive relaxation in the days leading to your flight. Visualizing a successful flight experience can also help ease anxiety. Exercise before you start your journey, maintaining a healthy diet, and limiting caffeine could all influence restfulness and anxiety levels. If the anxiety feels uncontrollable or you’re considering stronger prescriptions, consulting with your doctor in advance is crucial. Discuss potential options such as short-term benzodiazepine use specifically prescribed for anxiety relief. Benzodiazepines are effective but carry risks of dependency and side effects. Prioritizing your safety, ensure any intervention aligns with your overall health profile and daily routine. Pay attention to any health changes and avoid altering medications or dosages without proper guidance.
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