I'm going to be on a 16 hour flight and plan to sleep for most of it with the help of ambien. I recently purchased compression socks, but have never used them. As I'll be in business class and will be able to sleep semi prone...are compression socks a good idea? Or are they meant to be used when you are sitting ... not sure if I should use them or not.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Gail, I think compression socks are considered to be a good idea if you have any issues at all with circulation, but this question should be posed to your doctor if you have any doubts. I think you are lucky to be flying business class it does make a huge difference in terms of physical comfort, but circulation when not moving for many hours is another factor that even business class doesn't completely negate.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you have no risk factors for a DVT (as determined by you and your doctor), then compression socks will do nothing other than make you uncomfortable. They really only work in people prone to venous insufficiency (ie, people whose legs tend to swell with prolonged standing or sitting).
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I seocnd the advice to talk with your doctor. If you are concerned (hence the purchase of compression hose), sleeping in a sitting position for most of 16 h may not be the best idea. As I understand the physiology, it's probably worse than being awake and at least fidgeting. Although I would love to sleep my way to Europe, I've avoided sleeping pills specifically because of the risk of clots.
Posted by
Decorah, Iowa, USA
345 posts
I always wear compression socks when I fly. I do not have medical issues but I have found the socks make my feet and legs feel better. A lot may also depend on the degree of compression. Some are heavier than others. You could put them on and wear them through part of a day to see how your legs feel. I have never taken Ambien or any other sleep aid when I have flown to Europe from the Midwest. If you are not used to taking the sleep aid, you might want to try it at home first. Since you are in business class, you should also have more space and be able to move rather than being in the coach seats. To me, being able to fly semi prone would be almost heaven. On our last trip to France, we left Atlanta on Air France to CDG. The seats were the worst I have had on a flight. After the meal and before my tray had been returned, the person in front of me slammed his seat back for the major part of the trip. I got very little sleep on that trip. Good luck!