AVOIDING JET LAG Jet lag can strike anyone, no matter whether you travel first class or economy. It has the amazing ability to floor anyone. Humans are not designed for fast moving global flights that stretch across time zones. Our natural circadian rhythms; popularly referred to as the body clock, can easily be put out of synch. The symptoms of jet lag can vary but may include fatigue, irritability, headaches, upset stomach, diarrhoea and sleeping problems. Recovering from jet lag is all about kick starting the clock back into a functional day and night pattern again, here are some ideas: BEFORE YOUYOU FLY BEFORE
FLY
Serious travellers flying long-haul change their time table a few days before leaving and align it with the destination they are heading to. If heading east go to bed earlier than usual; if travelling west, go to bed later.
WHENONONBOARD BOARD WHEN Eat small light meals during your flight and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can affect sleep patterns. Drink plenty of water in-flight. Remember alcohol causes dehydration, which can make you feel worse.
WHENYOUYOU ARRIVE WHEN ARRIVE Try to adopt the schedule of your new destination as soon as you can by sleeping at night, staying awake during the day, and eating at local mealtimes. Get fresh air and keep physically active when you arrive. Also make sure you get some sun sunlight naturally resets your body clock. WEST to TO EastEAST WEST
Jet lag is generally worse travelling from west to east because the body finds it harder to adapt to a shorter day than a longer one. Another contributor is sleep deprivation - so make sure you get enough shut-eye before, during and after you fly. THINK ABOUT A STOPOVER THINK ABOUT A STOPOVER Stopovers rather than long flights are useful since a gradual transition to a new time zone is more humane and reduces the impact of jet lag.
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