Jet lag is a common condition that affects travelers who cross multiple time zones, disrupting your internal body clock and causing various symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Those symptoms can certainly put a damper on your plans and make the first few days of your trip less enjoyable. With a few proactive strategies, you can minimize the effects of jet lag to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
A week or so before you take off, consider moving your bedtime one hour each day for a few days to prepare for the earlier or later wake-up time at your destination. Do a practice run with melatonin tablets (after consulting your physician, of course). Popping melatonin about an hour before bed lessens the chance of an annoying 2 AM wake-up.
Flight times matter, try to arrive to your destination in the evening so that you don’t feel like you have to hurry up and get out there. We found this cool Jet Lag Advisor by British Airways, if you want to check it out: https://www.britishairways.com/travel/drsleep/public/en_gb
Water is truly the answer to most things in life. Grumpy? Chug some water. Face breaking out? Get those ounces in. Jet lag is no different – air travel can be dehydrating due to the low humidity levels in the airplane cabin. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of jet lag, making you feel more fatigued and lethargic. Drinking plenty of water during your flight helps counteract that dehydration, keeping you more alert and lessening some of the physical discomforts associated with air travel.
When you’re sleep deprived, we know it can be tempting to sneak in a quick snooze upon your arrival. But if at all possible, avoid the desire to nap unless it’s before noon. If you arrive after noon, it’s best to get right into your itinerary. Even a short catnap can disrupt your ability to acclimate to the new time, and your body is wired to sleep heavily when it’s that tired.
However, jet lag happens to even the most seasoned travelers, and it’s more likely than not that you’ll be subject to it at some point. Everyone’s body is different, and it may take a day or two for your internal clock to fully adjust to the new time zone (and back home again). Be patient and give yourself the time and rest you need, and you’ll be energized and ready to go in no time.
If you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, let’s get started today!