The dictionary defines "jet lag" as "a temporary disruption of the body's normal biological rhythms after high-speed air travel through several time zones."
OK, this isn't anything we haven't heard or experienced before, right? So, from a medical standpoint, what is jet lag?
"Circadian rhythms" are our bodies' natural time clock. They run on a 24-hour basis, like the days. If you travel to Arizona from Los Angeles, you're OK. Jet lag doesn't really kick in. But as you approach the rest of the country, and as the time change grows, your body's timer stays either ahead or behind.
how do we combat this?
Find out the time change ahead of time. Try to adjust your sleep habits about a week before you leave. Start by going to bed either a half-hour earlier or later, and work up. This may put a cramp in your social life, but it's better to pay 50% now, than 100% later.Sleep on the plane. If you find out at the very last minute that you will be leaving on the next red-eye from L.A. to New York, take a catnap on the plane. For the first half of the time on your flight, you should sleep, but wake yourself up or have the flight attendant wake you for the second half. You may have been told to "caffeine out" or "have a drink" for sleep, but experience has proven that this only makes matters worse. You swell, dehydrate or -- worst of all -- get constipated!
Bring a pillow. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to get complete rest in the air, but you will certainly rest better if you bring along a bean bag neck pillow and and eye mask. It helps. Also, change into comfortable clothing and drink plenty of water and chamomile tea. The cabin is usually dark and quiet. If the plane isn't full, you can always find some extra seats to lie down on and stretch out. Most people aren't aware of this travel secret when flights aren't as booked.
Order your airplane food ahead of time. Although some may tout it, airplane food will never be considered fine dining. Try to order ahead of time -- your best choice is a low-sodium, vegetarian meal -- or bring your own food aboard. Try to remember what you feel like after you eat lightly, rather than a heavy pasta meal, on the ground. It's pretty much the same in the air. Pasta will slow you down and make you tired, because it contains carbohydrates. Chicken and vegetables have protein, which feeds your system and gives it energy.
sleep or wake naturally
1. MelatoninWe naturally have levels of this substance in our bodies. When the levels rise in your body, it promotes sleep. Taking additional melatonin in tablet form raises the levels in your system, hence nighty-night. Make this a last resort, because like caffeine, it messes with your time clock.
2. No-Jet-Lag
A natural product from New Zealand, it can be ordered online and supposedly stops jet lag.
3. Vitamin B12
This promotes energy. Potassium and vitamin C are important in any diet, and on the plane, it is especially important to replenish your system to combat the strain that high altitudes place on your immune system and your overall well-being.
4. Herbalists
Consult your local herbalist or vitamin store, as well as places that specialize in aromatherapy. There are scents that can help to awaken or calm your senses, such as lavender and citrus.
5. Water
This cannot be over-emphasized. Learn it, love it, live it! Drink water by the gallon, mist it on your face and towel your neck. Just do it! Plain and simple.
6. Stay mobile
Exercise is crucial for everyone. It helps to rejuvenate tired muscles or cramps caused from sitting on the plane for too long. Simply get up and walk the aisles, or step to the back of the plane and stretch. Once you've deplaned, look for hotel stairs, or a safe park or street where you can walk or run.
7. Try to get into the light
Don't sleep your lag away! The key is to stay regimented. Get outdoors and let the light rejuvenate you.
8. Take a nap
Once you get to your destination, snooze. Most of us are so excited to be elsewhere that it's go, go, go. Not good! It may feel OK in the moment, but when you get back home, you'll be exhausted, possibly sick, and needing a vacation from that vacation.
9. Don't stay asleep
Nap, but don't close your drapes and sleep for long stretches of time. If you sleep eight hours, then set your alarm or wake-up call for eight hours later during sleeping hours only. Sometimes, the more you sleep, the harder it is to shake jet lag.
Always keep in mind that excess sleep becomes a nightmare!
reach for the sky
Traveling can be a real strain on your body, but fortunately, this is avoidable. Minimize your jet lagby following the tips presented here, and enjoy every waking moment of your journey.
Resources:
Airline Tickets
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