Traveling around the globe crossing time zones or the international date line can cause anyone to be affected by jet lag. Although jet lag is a temporary sleep problem, it can significantly reduce your vacation and business travel comfort.
Your body has its own internal clock (circadian rhythms) that signals your body when to stay awake and when to sleep. Jet lag occurs because your body's clock is still synced to your original time zone, instead of to the time zone where you've traveled. The more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the affects of jet lag on your travels.
Arrive early.
If you have an important meeting or event where you want to be in top form, try to arrive a couple days early to give your body a chance to adjust.
Get plenty of rest before your trip.
Starting out sleep-deprived makes jet lag worse.
Stay on your new schedule.
Set your watch to the new time about an hour into your flight. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are. Also, try to time your meals with local mealtimes.
Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Dehydration can make jet lag symptoms worse. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you and affect your sleep.
Try to sleep on the plane.
Earplugs, headphones, and eye masks can help block out noise and light. On international flights, the flight attendants will have the passengers on a schedule that mirrors the destination. Try to follow the schedule, eat when food is served, sleep when the lights go down, wake when the plane is preparing for the destination.
And pack No-Jet-Lag in your carry-on…
Manufactured in New Zealand, my husband and I discovered this homeopathic remedy about 10 years ago at a local market in San Diego. A package of these tablets has been in our carry-on bags ever since. No-Jet-Lag contains Arnica Montana, Bellis Perennis, and Chamomilla, is sold over the counter, and is taken throughout your flight.
Visit nojetlag.com more details.