Jet lag is the dread of all frequent fliers – it makes you drowsy during the day, keeps you up at night, makes you sluggish and downright irritable. When you add it to the usual stresses of travelling, delays, cancellations, lost luggage and screaming children, it can render even the most upbeat person downright murderous. But have no fear; we have some solutions which could help you to kick the worst effects of jet lag to the curb.
Here are our top tips for beating the dreaded jet lag:
Stay one step ahead of your jet lag
You can get ahead of jet lag by literally getting ahead of your schedule; adjust your sleep pattern naturally for a few days before you fly so that you can step off the plane in sync with the new time-zone. You can do this simply by looking at whether you’re flying east or west, and pushing your sleep a few hours forward or back accordingly. So if you’re going east head to bed a few hours earlier before you leave, and if you’re going west stay up a few hours later. This is most effective if you do it for three to five days before you go and if you’re going to be in your destination for more than two days.
Use your nose
Lavender essential oils, diffusers, sprays and pouches can aid your attempts to adjust your sleep pattern both before and during your vacation by promoting a restful night’s sleep. This mild sedative should be placed on or under your pillow to help promote REM sleep and help you to wake refreshed.
Say “hello” to the sunshine
When flying eastwards it is very common to feel drowsy the day after you arrive, but there’s a way you can combat this without succumbing to an afternoon nap! It is first key to rack up a good number of hours sleep on your first night, and be sure to get up bright and early. If the sun’s not up yet turn on a bright lamp, as light exposure is key, but the best remedy is a walk in the sunshine. If you’re flying west the afternoon sun is your best bet to help your body wind-down for a good night’s sleep when you get to your vacation destination.
Melatonin (see a doctor)
Melatonin is a substance that has been the subject of great interest lately as, though it produced naturally in the body, it has been found that melatonin supplements can help to combat the effects of jet lag. Experts have suggested that taking it after dark on the evening of the day you travel, and for a few days after, will help your body and mind to adjust. Talk to your doctor about this, though, as it can mess with some medications.
Sleeping pills (see a doctor)
As a last resort to jet lag there is always sleep medications, whether they be over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, but be sure to ask about dosages before you take them. Also, remember that it is most effective to take them while travelling so that you arrive at your destination ready to face the day.
