• Confidential assessment
  • Reviewed by doctors
  • Same-day collection from your local pharmacy

Product features

  • Use treatment for 2-4 days after you arrive at your destination

  • Uncommon to get side effects

  • Should not be taken with alcohol

What is jet lag treatment?

Travelling across time zones can play havoc with your sleep routine. Jet lag can be treated using tablets that contain a hormone called melatonin. It can help you get to sleep so you can sync your body clock to the time at your destination.

What is this treatment used for?

In the UK, melatonin tablets can be taken to treat both jet lag and insomnia.

How do jet lag tablets work?

The active ingredient in this jet lag treatment is melatonin, a hormone your brain produces naturally to regulate sleep patterns.

How to take jet lag treatment

Take one tablet 1-2 hours before you go to bed for 2-4 days after you arrive at your destination. 

If you forget to take your tablet before you go to bed, skip that missed dose and take your tablet as normal the next night. You should never take a double dose. Setting an alarm can help you to take your jet lag treatment regularly. 

Jet lag pills are safe to use in the short term, as prescribed. But you shouldn’t use this treatment for more than 5 days at a time, or as a cure for insomnia when you’re not travelling. 

This medication is not suitable if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Treatment results

Studies suggest melatonin tablets can be effective when you're flying across multiple time zones. But there’s no conclusive evidence that they work.

Avoid drinking alcohol before or after you take these jet lag tablets, as it can mean the treatment doesn’t work as well.

Possible side effects

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking a jet lag treatment. These include drowsiness, joint pain, headaches or feelings of sickness.  

For full details of side effects and correct use, see the jet lag treatment patient information leaflet. If you’re worried about side effects, contact us in your Patient Record.

Medication

Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation

Tick

A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment

Prescription delivery

Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy

Jet lag treatment FAQs

  • How long do jet lag tablets take to work?

    Take one tablet before you go to bed for 2-4 days after you arrive at your destination.

  • How long can I take jet lag treatment for?

    You can take jet lag tablets containing melatonin for up to 5 nights in a row.

  • Jet lag tablet dosages

    Most people will be advised to take one 2mg tablet containing melatonin. However, your doctor may recommend that you take two tablets (4mg) if needed.

  • Where can I buy jet lag tablets?

    You can get jet lag treatment with a prescription. We can prescribe them after an online consultation where we assess whether they’re right for you.

    Can I buy jet lag tablets over the counter?

    Jet lag tablets are a prescription-only medication. You can’t buy them over the counter.

  • How do I store jet lag tablets safely?

    Always store tablets like this that contain melatonin in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Keep them at room temperature, away from heat. Also, make sure the medication is stored away from direct sunlight or other bright light.

  • Alternative treatments for jet lag

    We only offer melatonin-containing tablets to treat jet lag. There are other ways to help reduce the impact travelling across time zones has on your sleep pattern.

    During the flight:

    • Try to avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol
    • Sleep when it’s a normal time to be asleep at your destination
    • Wear earplugs and an eye mask if it helps
    • Stay active by stretching regularly too and taking walks inside the cabin

    When you arrive at your destination:

    • Try to adjust your sleep schedule to the new time zone as soon as you can
    • Avoid oversleeping in the morning and set an alarm if you need to
    • Go out and get some natural light during the day to help your body clock adjust

Delivery and collection information

  • Standard delivery (Free)

    Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.

  • Next day delivery (£4.95)

    Mainland UK

    • Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
    • Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
    • Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.

    Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:

    • Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.

  • Click and Collect (Free)

    If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.

    We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.