- How To Get Over Jet-Lag?
Whether it’s a trip related to vacation, business or even some competition, travelling is always a cause for excitement. You pre-plan your whole trip making time out for sightseeing, eatery, shopping etc. However, when you land at your destination, you begin to feel off.
The local food looks delicious, but your appetite is not there. You try to sleep at night, but it seems like an impossible task. While during the day, you are working hard to stay awake. In short, you have Jet Lag.
What is Jet Lag?
Jetlag is a temporary sleep problem affecting anyone who travels quickly across multiple time zones. The body has its own internal clock (circadian rhythms) that signals when to stay awake and when to fall asleep.
Jet Lag occurs when your body’s clock remains synch to your original time zone instead of the zone you have travelled. It is typically associated with international travelling and can last from a few days to a few weeks. Common symptoms associated with jet lag include daytime fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, lack of appetite and gastrointestinal problems.
Fortunately, there are some ways that can help you get over Jet Lag-
- Make pre-adjustments to your sleep schedule
People travelling for their work, conference or competition need to be in an optimal physical and mental condition to deliver their best. So, they need to prevent Jet Lag by adjusting their sleep routine a few days before departure.
If you are travelling to the east, shift your bedtime one hour earlier while travelling to the west, do the exact opposite. Also, try moving your mealtime closer to when you will be taking them at your travel destination.
- Try to adapt quickly to your new time zone
This step will help you get in the right mindset to enjoy your trip wholeheartedly. Adjust your phone and watch as per the new time zone as soon as you depart. In addition, sleep and eat according to the time of your destination.
Perhaps, if you are going to land in the morning or noon, don’t sleep until and unless its night time. Though this can be difficult as you may feel a little tired, you need to avoid sleeping when the sun is still soaring. While if you land at your destination when it’s dark, then it’s good news- you can sleep the whole night and wake up refreshed for a new journey.
- Regulate bright light exposure
Light, especially natural light, has the most significant influence on your body’s circadian rhythm. So, exposure to sunlight plays a vital role in adjusting your body to the new time zone. So, on eastward flights, avoid early light exposure in the morning and get as much as you can in the afternoon and early evening. While on westward flights, get bright morning light at your new destination, and avoid afternoon and evening exposure.
- Stay hydrated while travelling
Aeroplane cabins induce dehydration, and you may reduce water consumption during travelling to avoid bathroom breaks. However, it would help if you thought twice about this action, as dehydration often worsens the effects of Jet Lag. So, you need to drink water before, during and after your flight. Proper hydration helps you tackle Jet Lag symptoms and travel fatigue.
Also, limit the intake of alcohol as it reduces the quality of your sleep. You can take caffeine if you will land during the day to keep yourself awake until night as it boots alertness. However, avoid taking too much as it may linger in your system. On the other side, if you will be arriving at your destination at night, then avoid taking caffeine on the plane.
- Consider Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin is the hormone produced by your body that aids in sleep. When Jet Lag disrupts your circadian rhythm, Melatonin production decreases. Several types of research suggest that taking Melatonin supplements at the right time can help you realign your internal clock. So, when you find it difficult to fall asleep at night because of the new time zone, you can take Napsomnia melatonin products to prepare your body for a rejuvenating sleep.
The Bottom Line
Jet Lag is a common condition that usually houses for three to four days and eventually leaves. However, nobody wants to spend any precious time of their trip agonizing in pain when they can explore the local sites and devour local cuisine. Therefore, follow the above-listed tips and make the most of your trip.