What sleeping pills do pilots use? Examining FAA-Approved Hypnotics

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), occasional, limited use of certain sleep aids is permissible for pilots to address circadian rhythm disruption or occasional sleeplessness. Pilots must adhere to strict rules, including minimum waiting times, when considering what sleeping pills do pilots use, to ensure flight safety is not compromised. This practice is a highly regulated aspect of aviation, prioritizing flight safety above all else.

Quick Summary

Pilots can use a small, FAA-approved list of prescription sleep aids for occasional sleep issues, not chronic insomnia. Strict regulations mandate ground testing of any new medication and following required no-fly waiting periods after the last dose to prevent impaired performance. Non-pharmacological methods are the preferred sleep strategy.

Key Points

Limited and Regulated Use: The FAA permits pilots to use specific, approved sleep aids for occasional sleep issues, not as a long-term solution for chronic insomnia.
Strict Waiting Periods: All approved sleep medications, including prescription hypnotics and over-the-counter options like melatonin, have mandated minimum waiting times before a pilot can fly.
Ground Testing is Mandatory: A pilot must perform a "ground test" of any new sleep aid by taking it on non-flying days to check for unexpected side effects before flying again.
Non-Pharmacological Strategies are Preferred: The aviation industry emphasizes behavioral and lifestyle changes, such as maintaining sleep hygiene and strategic napping, as the primary methods for managing fatigue.
OTC Medications Often Prohibited: Many common over-the-counter sleep aids containing antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, are prohibited for use by pilots due to their prolonged sedative effects and substantial no-fly periods.
Safety is the Ultimate Priority: All regulations surrounding pilot sleep and medication use are designed to minimize the risk of impairment and prioritize the safety of the flight.

The Strict Regulation of Sleep Aids in Aviation

Fatigue in the cockpit is a significant safety risk, and the aviation industry, led by regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), takes a highly cautious and stringent approach to the use of any medication that could impair an airman's judgment or performance. For this reason, the question of what sleeping pills do pilots use is not about a pilot freely choosing a medication but rather about a pilot carefully consulting with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and adhering to a limited list of approved options, used sparingly for specific, temporary circumstances like jet lag. Chronic use is strictly prohibited. The cornerstone of this policy is the mandated “ground test,” where a pilot must use a medication for the first time while not flying for a period longer than the required wait time to ensure there are no adverse or unexpected side effects.

FAA-Approved Prescription Hypnotics

Several non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, often referred to as "Z-drugs," are on the FAA's approved list for occasional use, subject to strict protocols and no-fly waiting periods. These waiting periods are determined by the drug's elimination half-life, a measure of how long it takes for the medication to clear the body.

Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo, Zolpimist): This group of sleep aids is commonly used. The specific formulation of zolpidem dictates the required waiting period before flying. For example, standard Ambien requires a 24-hour wait, while the sublingual Intermezzo has a longer 36-hour restriction.
Eszopiclone (Lunesta): Known for its longer duration of action compared to some zolpidem formulations, eszopiclone has a required wait time of 30 hours after the last dose.
Zaleplon (Sonata): Offering the shortest wait time of the approved prescription hypnotics, zaleplon requires only a 6-hour waiting period. This makes it a potential option for pilots needing to adjust their sleep schedule more quickly, though use is still restricted to occasional instances.
Ramelteon (Rozerem): This hypnotic is different from the Z-drugs as it acts on melatonin receptors, mimicking the natural sleep-regulating hormone. It requires a 24-hour no-fly period.
Temazepam (Restoril): While also an approved option, it carries a significantly longer 72-hour waiting period due to its longer elimination half-life.

Melatonin and Over-the-Counter Options

While prescription hypnotics are strictly regulated, other sleep aids are also addressed by FAA guidelines.

Melatonin: This hormone, available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement, is also subject to FAA regulation. The FAA recommends a 24-hour waiting period after the last dose before a pilot can fly. Furthermore, because the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements for purity and dosage, pilots must exercise caution.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Many OTC sleep aids contain sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (found in products like Benadryl and Unisom). The FAA has strict prohibitions on flying after taking these due to their long-lasting sedative effects. For diphenhydramine, a pilot cannot fly for 60 hours after the last dose, making them impractical for pilots with irregular schedules.

The "Ground Test" and Other Non-Pharmacological Strategies

Before using any FAA-approved medication for the first time, a pilot is required to conduct a "ground test." This procedure involves taking the medication during a non-flying period long enough to cover the minimum required waiting time, plus any observed residual effects. This ensures the pilot can assess how the medication affects them personally, identifying any unusual side effects before operating an aircraft.

Beyond medication, the FAA and aviation medical experts strongly emphasize non-pharmacological strategies for sleep management. These form the foundation of addressing pilot fatigue, with medication reserved only for occasional, temporary needs.

Strategic Napping: Short, strategic naps can help combat acute fatigue, particularly during long-haul flights where controlled rest is a standard procedure.
Sleep Hygiene: Maintaining consistent sleep habits, even on days off, is crucial. This includes avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting screen time.
Light Therapy: Exposure to bright light at strategic times can help pilots reset their circadian rhythm when crossing time zones, mitigating jet lag.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help pilots unwind and prepare for sleep.

Comparison of FAA-Approved Sleep Aids


Generic Name	Common Brand Name(s)	FAA Minimum Wait Time	Notes
Zolpidem	Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo	6-48 hours (depends on formulation)	Different wait times apply based on formulation, e.g., 24 hours for Ambien, 36 for Intermezzo, 48 for Zolpimist.
Eszopiclone	Lunesta	30 hours	Longer half-life, requires a longer waiting period than standard zolpidem.
Zaleplon	Sonata	6 hours	Quick-acting with the shortest waiting period among prescription options.
Ramelteon	Rozerem	24 hours	Acts on melatonin receptors, not a sedative-hypnotic.
Temazepam	Restoril	72 hours	Longer half-life and longer wait time than Z-drugs.
Melatonin	OTC Supplement	24 hours	Wait time required, but FDA does not regulate potency and purity of supplements.

Conclusion: Safety First, Medication Last

The FAA's approach to what sleeping pills do pilots use is a testament to the industry's commitment to safety. By strictly regulating which medications can be used, limiting their frequency, and enforcing mandatory ground testing and waiting periods, the FAA minimizes the risk of pilot impairment. The emphasis is always on non-pharmacological strategies like good sleep hygiene, strategic napping, and mindfulness. For occasional disturbances like jet lag, pilots can utilize a select few FAA-approved prescription medications, but only after careful ground testing and strict adherence to mandated no-fly periods. The ultimate responsibility lies with the airman to be physically and mentally fit for duty, recognizing that fatigue, whether managed by medication or other means, can be a serious threat to aviation safety.

[Authoritative Outbound Link for context]: Pilots must also consider the full range of FAA regulations on medication use, including specific requirements for medical certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pilots can take certain formulations of zolpidem (Ambien), but only for occasional use and under strict FAA rules. They must adhere to a 24-hour waiting period after the last dose before resuming pilot duties.

Pilots taking eszopiclone (Lunesta) must observe a minimum waiting time of 30 hours after the last dose before they are permitted to fly again.

Yes, melatonin can be used by pilots, but it is recommended to wait 24 hours after taking it before flying. Additionally, the FAA cautions that dietary supplements are not regulated for purity and potency by the FDA.

Many common OTC sleep aids contain sedating antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, which can cause prolonged impairment. A pilot cannot fly for 60 hours after taking diphenhydramine, making them impractical for use.

A "ground test" is a mandatory procedure where a pilot takes a new sleep aid for the first time while not flying. This allows them to monitor for any unexpected side effects or unusual reactions without risking flight safety.

No, the FAA prohibits daily or nightly use of sleep aids for chronic insomnia. Pilots with chronic sleep disorders are expected to receive a diagnosis and treatment for the underlying condition before being cleared for aviation duties.

Taking an unapproved or improperly used medication, including sleep aids, is a violation of FAA regulations. It can result in a pilot being found not medically fit for duty, and they may be subject to further action.