Technological advancements have made air travel simpler than ever before. People can cross thousands of miles in matter of hours. But when one travels from one time zone to another, he/she will face temporary sleep issues. This condition is termed as time zone change syndrome. People commonly call it a jet lag. Headaches, drowsiness, irritation and tiredness are common symptoms of jet lag. The Circadian rhythm is the biological and behavioral clock, and jet lag affects this system. The intensity of jet lag is directly proportional to the number of time zones a person crosses.
Children and aged people are more likely to feel the pangs of jet lag. Some try to set the Circadian rhythm in order with clinical medicines. But experts suggest that some tips will help frequent flyers to save themselves from this syndrome. A quick look at the following points will assist you to put the inner clock in sync.
- Become physically active – Jet lag is a common issue, and you will face it when you travel over long distances. But you can reduce the intensity with physical activity. Your body will crave for rest as soon as you land. If you give into this craving, then jet lag will overcome you completely. So, take a shower, and do some light exercises. Jogging or brisk walking will trigger the brain to produce necessary hormones. Some stretching will also ease up the muscles. Once you start exercise, you will get into the flow. It is the best way to fight the ill effects of jet lag in the new country.
- Don’t disturb your sleep cycle – If you are flying from one time zone to another, you need cope with the new sleep cycle. As it becomes difficult to keep track of time, while you are in midair. Stick to a specific sleep cycle. If you mess it up, then jet lag is inevitable. No matter what the other person is doing, try to stay awake during day. Sleep only during the after-dark hours.
- Opt for herbal drinks – Tea and coffee are popular beverages that air travelers opt for. Coffee helps to keep people awake. But too many cups, within a short interval, pave the path for irritation. Thus, it is best to stay away from this strong beverage. Herbal tea will come to your rescue. Chamomile is one herb that soothes sleep disorders. The benefits of chamomile tea will not only ease your jet lag, but will also boost your immunity. Herbal drinks will help to maintain liquid balance, without making you too awake. The natural elements will promote sleep when you need it most.
- Don’t drink alcohol – Alcohol calms your senses. If you have too many drinks, you will develop a dozy feeling. The effect increases in the pressurized aircrafts. The body’s ability to fight off alcohol reduces while you are in the airplane. As you have very limited physical movement, sleep overpowers you easily. If you desire to look your best when you land, don’t drink during the flights. It is the best way to keep puffy eyes and irritated mood at bay. Avoiding alcohol will also keep you safe from other complications. Some people suffer from nausea, if they have too much alcohol in their system. This tendency increases when you are thousands of kilometers above the seal level.
- Avoid fatty food – People often feel drowsy after a heavy lunch or dinner. Whether you opt for inflight food or eat before boarding the aircraft, keep it light to avoid jet lag. If you want to avoid sleeping on the aircraft, then steer clear of fatty or heavy meals. Such dishes will develop a satiating feel. With a full tummy, it becomes very difficult to ignore the alluring call of slumber. Soups, vegetable salads, fruits, and light meals are ideal for such occasions.
- Avoid sensory stimulants – At times, it becomes rather boring for passengers, especially if you are travelling alone. So, people try to keep themselves entertained by watching inflight movies, or listening to peppy music. Experts suggest that these activities will enhance the instances of jet lag. The flickering screen light may keep you awake for some hours, but it will strain your eyes eventually. Once your eyes feel heavy, you will not be able to keep them open. It may hamper your natural sleep cycle, and you will suffer from sleeplessness once you land.
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- Stay hydrated – There are no extra points for guessing that drinking water is one of best ways to keep your body fit. Passengers don’t feel the urge to drink water, while they are inside the pressurized aircraft cabin. If you want to prevent the side effects of jet lag, then stay hydrated. One can easily maintain the fluid balance in his/her body by drinking adequate amount of water. Dehydration will make your body tired. It will pave the path for drowsiness. Drinking water will offer a fresh feeling when you land at the destination.
- Stay away from sugary drinks – Another way to fight jet lag is by skipping sugary beverages. Opt for such drinks only after you land. It will keep you awake in the new time zone.
Setting your body clock is harder than operating your mechanical timepiece. After a day or two, you will take a hang of the new time zone. Your body and mind will adapt accordingly. Once this happens, you no longer have to worry about sleep deprivation. A tourist has only a limited number of days at hand. These simple tips will help them to get the upper hand on jet lag.
