It’s hard to maintain your regular routine when crossing time zones and many suffer at the hands of jet lag for days after. When travelling abroad for a meeting or work, it can be damaging to lose time sleeping. Whether its for business or pleasure, nobody wants to waste their time overseas sleeping. But there are ways that you can try to combat jet lag, with preparation and little tips. So what can you do to ensure that you don’t suffer from extreme jet lag?
Our Top Tips for Avoiding Jet Lag
Sleeping on the Plane
Many people wonder whether sleeping in the air could help them tackle the potential jet lag problems, but this can be dependent on where you are travelling, what time you will be flying and what you’ve got to do once you arrive at your destination. Work out the time zone back at home or where you’re travelling to and if it’s night there, then try to sleep on the plane. If it isn’t then try to keep your eyes open and work through it.
Here are some tips for getting a good sleep on your flight:
- Ensure you are hydrated and don’t count on alcohol to aid your sleep
- Try out some natural supplements that could enhance you sleep, such as melatonin. (Be sure to look up the effects and consult a doctor)
- Avoid being on your phone or getting into movie and solely concentrate on getting you ZZZ’s
Adjusting Beforehand
Some times trying to make preparation or alterations by the time you get on your flight, are simply too late. Although a sleep at the right time could make things easier, your body will still be out of sync. If you are the type of person who’s very regimented on their routine then travelling could be hard on your body. Before travelling you should start making changes at home, eating your food at slightly different times, sleeping closer to the new time zone and planning on when you’ll be doing what, once you land at your destination. Making these changes can be important for those that have a busy schedule once they land.
Knowing the Changes
According to the NHS your body sets itself to the local time and the change in body temperature, digestion and appetite can affect your sleeping pattern. Your body is affected more than you probably realised, as your bowel habits will change, blood pressure, urine production and appetite will all change. You can try your best to minimise these reactions by avoiding a nap when you get to your location and making a conscious effort to adapt to the new time.
Getting Daylight
If you are planning on visiting a sunny destination, then why wouldn’t you want to get out and make the most of it? There’s more than reason to do-so too, by getting outside and enjoying the sun rays you will be helping your body get used to the new time zone. Your body will naturally adjust to the new time when it is exposed to daylight and it will also change the reaction of hormones in your body sure to help liven you up during your fatigued stages.
Using An App
There’s an app for just about everything these days and the latest innovative creation could help you avoid jet lag. That’s right, your phone could help you avoid jet lag. It sounds crazy, but here’s how it works. Entrain monitors your circadian clock. It will be able to inform you when your body is in need of light and when it needs darkness. You can input your information and it will assess your data too. For instance, if your advised to place yourself in the dark but your schedule won’t allow this, then you can continue as normal and let Entrain know. It will take it into account when trying to help you adjust to a new time zone.
Plan Your Travelling Date
It’s not a great idea to endure a long haul flight and deliver an important presentation once you land. Although many feel as though they’re tough enough to do this, it won’t provide the best results. It’s beneficial to arrive at your new location a day or two before and getting used to your new environment if possible.
There’s no magic cure or prevention when it comes to jet lag, travelling can be one of the worst parts of holidays or prestigious job roles, but it’s all worth it. It is best to implement some of these tips to ensure that you can recover as quickly as possible and maximise your working potential or enjoy your holiday to the fullest.