Jet lag is also known as desynchronosis (how is that for a mouthful) or flight fatigue. Basically, the jet lagged traveler will experience fatigue and insomnia; other symptoms may include anxiety, headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation. Jet Lag is the result of the body’s internal time clock being messed with due to crossing time zones. There are ways to avoid it, or at the very least minimize the symptoms. Check out these ideas!
- First of all, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of bottled water before, during and after your plane ride. This means avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
- Get your mind on track by setting your watch to the time of your destination, before your flight even takes off. This is a mind over matter trick, but it can work. The mind is powerful!
- Beginning the day of your flight, help your body by behaving as if you are at your destination already. Eat at the time you will eat when there, sleep at the time you would sleep while there, etc. This one may be a bit tricky, but do your best.
- Get up out of your seat several times during your flight to move around and stretch your legs.
- Avoid heavy meals, opt for several smaller, lighter meals.
- Melatonin supplements may also help. Take .1 – .5 mg about 30 minutes before you are to sleep. Consider Sleep Essentials which includes melatonin along with calming magnesium and several natural sleep inducing supplements like chamomile and valerian root.
- You may also check out YouTube for videos and music to help you sleep. There are also a nice mix of sleepy apps available for download.
Finally, check out the Jet Lag Rx app. All you do is enter your destination and travel schedule; utilizing circadian rhythms, a recommended eating, sleeping and light schedule will be provided to you in order to avoid jet lag and not skip a beat.
Thank you to AirTreks for the image!
