Methods For Avoiding Jetlag

Prepare For Time Zones

To prepare yourself before you travel, it’s a good idea to adjust your schedule a few weeks beforehand so that you are reducing the time difference experience. This allows a slow adjustment to the new time zone.

The rule of thumb with time zones is that if you are travelling west, you will gain time, but if you are travelling east you will lose time. Therefore, if going west, go to bed at a later time for a few nights before you leave, and if going east, got to bed earlier for a few nights beforehand.

Hydration

Not only can dehydration cause or aggravate a number of medical issues, it can also lead to jetlag. The day that you are planning to fly, drink plenty of water, but stay away from drinks with caffeine or alcohol in them, however tempting they may be!

Setting Your Watch

If you use a wrist watch, when your flight takes off set the time to the time zone of your destination. This will help you mentally and physically adjust to the different time.

Sleep Or Stay Awake

If it is night time at the country of your destination, sleep on the plane if you can. If it is going to be daylight when you arrive, stay awake on the plane and this will help you adjust when you arrive.

Sleeping Medications

If you are taking an overnight flight, and are worried that you may have trouble sleeping on the plane, talk to your doctor about whether or not sleeping medications may be suitable for you.

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Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is readily available on most international flights, and many of us like to have a drink or two to pass the time and relax us. Beware though – alcohol will dehydrate your body, which as we know, will lead to jetlag. Try and avoid drinking alcohol altogether, but if you feel you do need a drink, stick to just one or two.

Choose The Right Flight Time

If possible, try and choose an overnight flight. You are less likely to suffer from jetlag if you travel overnight, as you will arrive during the day and will be able to adjust accordingly to your new time zone.

Coffee Should Be Avoided

Coffee and other caffeine containing drinks should not only be avoided during your flight, but also for around 12 hours before you are due to fly. Coffee not only stops some people from sleeping, it also affects the quality of sleep, and you are more likely to wake up often, resulting in poor sleep and jetlag. Avoiding it for 12 hours before will ensure it is out of your system before your flight.

After You Arrive

If it is daytime at your destination, get outside and spend as much time as you can out in the sunlight. This will enable your body to adjust from the normal natural time, to the different time zone.

Conclusion

Jetlag affects almost everyone even though the symptoms and severity of symptoms will differ from person to person. Even if you haven’t experienced jetlag on previous travels, don’t be so sure it won’t strike you next time. A variety of contributing factors can cause you too to suffer the fatigue and confusion even if you are a regular globetrotter!