But there is a company called FBSHealth which makes individually wrapped Melatonin drops. I usually keep a couple of them on me in my wallet: who’s going to search for them there? And, even if they find it, it looks like a piece of candy.

I usually eat them during a long flight, around the time when I should be sleeping at my destination. Or sometimes I eat them at the hotel after dinner.

Actually, they are pretty convenient. I never forget to bring one, I don’t have to dig them out of my carry on, and I don’t need to ask for water or anything when I’m on the plane, which is a hassle. Great product: pity you can’t buy them in the shop…

FYI – I believe that melatonin is a prescription drug in the UK.

Yes, they do have some strange rules about what medication can be taken into the country, but that’s their rules. It’s even best to keep the codeine out of your luggage too, and watch out for poppy seeds – they’re banned as well.

For future reference for anyone visiting this post and going to the UAE, here are some reference links which itemise the banned substances:
http://www.gulfnews.com/articles/06/11/18/10083441.html
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/06/11/14/controlleddrugslist.pdf
http://www.fairtrials.net/index.php/news/article/list_of_controlled_pharmaceutical_substances_in_uae/

Once you’re in the UAE however, most medicines/antibiotics that are prescription only in other parts of the world can be readily purchased over the counter in UAE pharmacies without first having to visit a doctor.

It’s a great place to stock up on common medication, but be aware that you may also have issues with your own country’s customs officers if they see that you have a large supply of medication in your luggage on your return home.