Jet Lag Remedies; by an Airline Pilot

Jet Lag Remedies by an Airline Pilot

Jetlag is the disruption of your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This clock sets your sleeping and waking times. It is complex and sensitive. Flying east or west messes it up. That's because you cross time zones much faster than your body can adjust.

What are common jetlag symptoms? They include:

• Headache
• Disorientation
• Anxiety
• Exhaustion
• Indigestion
• Dehydration
• Impaired Coordination

Obviously, these things could ruin your trip.

Jet Lag Remedies
Following these guidelines will reduce your jet lag symptoms and let you enjoy your trip even more. I'll break this discussion into three sections:

• Before Your Trip (Pre Flight)
• During Your Flight
• At Your Destination

1) Jet Lag Remedies (Pre Flight)

• Get Plenty Of Sleep.
  NASA found that getting as much sleep as possible beginning two days before your trip is significant in minimizing jet lag symptoms.

• Reduce Your Stress.
  All that running around can make you more stressed.

• Exercise
  If you exercise regularly, make it a priority to keep that routine just before you travel. Also, continue it at your destination.

2) Jet Lag Remedies (During Your Flight)

• Arrive Early At The Airport.
  Not rushing to make your flight will help reduce stress and make you more relaxed. That way you'll rest better on the plane.

• Begin Adjusting To The New Time Zone And Schedule.
  When you get on the plane, set your watch to your destination's time. Then think about when you'll eat and sleep there. Try to begin eating and sleeping at those times.

• Sleep As Much As You Can On the Plane.
  This is a key factor in reducing jet lag.

• Wear Comfortable clothing.
  Comfortable clothes, warm socks and a sweater will enable you to sleep better.

• Drink Plenty of Water.
  Not soda, not alcohol, not caffeine, but water.

• Get Up and Stretch Frequently.

• Use a Footrest.
  The first and business class seats have these, but even in coach, you can benefit from using a footrest. Use a carry-on bag or travel foot rest.

• Loosen Your Shoes.

• Pills and Supplements.
  In a word...Don't. There are too many dangers about taking pills and supplements for Jetlag. 

3) Jet Lag Remedies (At Your Destination)

• Try To Eat On The New Schedule.
  This helps your body clock adjust to minimize your jet lag symptoms.

• Try To Sleep On The New Schedule.
  This is often easier said than done. 

• Exercise.
  This is also among the important jet lag remedies. If you have a regular exercise routine, you'll want to continue it now.

• Get out in the Sunlight.
  This is simple to accomplish as long as you have a sunny day.

Studies have shown that exposure to bright light helps shift the circadian rhythms (body clock), and therefore reduce the jet lag symptoms. We hope these Jet Lag Remedies will help you overcome jetlag and have that enjoyable holiday.