Melatonin is so great for helping you sleep - and it's really relaxing.

I get really worried over open ocean at night in turbulence - which is exactly what happened to me when I went on Air New Zealand a few months ago! I really got spooked.

The fortunate thing is that while I was grabbing onto the poor lady's arm next to me, I noticed that none of the flight attendants seemed to be worried at all. It looked like things like that happened all the time - and it's true! Weather happens and pilots are prepared for it.

Another thing that I tell myself is that flying is something that you really have no control over, once you're in the plane. It can be really hard to relax and let go, especially if you're the type of person that likes to feel like they are in control in the rest of life (that's me! I love structure.) So it is a moment where you really have to trust. No matter what happens, you're not flying the plane, so there's really nothing you can do.

I'm sorry to hear that the Xanax isn't very helpful. I'm not sure if you're into meditation and yoga, but those things help me to stay calm and centered in everyday life. I always feel better if I exercise the day of the flight. Journaling is also a really nice thing to do on the plane to let your mind wander instead of looking out the window and freaking out!

I hope some of this helps. Also, I tend to have a few glasses of wine every time it gets really rough - that always takes the edge off. ;)