How to Beat Jet Lag – start by utilizing the preventative steps outlined below.

Jet lag occurs when you change time zones too quickly. Your internal body clock doesn’t react and adjust quickly enough to the local time at your destination. Everything feels like it is happening at the wrong time because you are accustomed to different hours of daylight and darkness.


Symptoms of Jet Lag

• Loss of appetite, indigestion

• Headache

• Fatigue, insomnia

• Disorientation, grogginess, irritability

• Mild depression


Crossing up to two times zones doesn’t usually cause a problem. As the number increases beyond this, the more difficult it is for your body to adjust. You may require one day to adjust to every time zone that you pass through.

Travelers tend to adjust more easily when moving in the east-west direction as opposed to the west-east direction. Traveling in either the north-south or south-north directions does not require changing time zones.

You will need to re-adjust when you return home as well.





Prevention

• Try to function within the new time zone 2 days before your depart – create a schedule

• Set your watch to the local time of your destination as you board the plane

• Drink lots of water while in-flight – avoid caffeine and alcohol • Sleep on the plane

• Move around when in-flight

Treatment

• Melatonin – its effectiveness as a treatment is not established; it may not be available in some countries.

• Homeopathy - try No Jet-Lag®

• When you arrive at your destination, function on the local time schedule and have an early local bedtime.

• Eat small meals frequently.

• Walk/exercise at your destination.



IMPORTANT

Individuals on prescription drugs and insulin should consult their doctors about slowly changing their medication schedules to the new time zone.

Return from Jet Lag to Travel Health