Things You'll Need:
- Travel Kits
- Headphones
- Bottled Water
- High-protein Snacks
- Eye Masks
- Earplugs
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Step 1
Start shifting your sleep-wake cycle to match that of your destination several days before departure, changing at the rate of one hour per day.
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Step 2
Begin adjusting to the time zone of your destination by resetting your watch at the beginning of your flight.
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Step 3
Sleep on the plane when it is nighttime at your destination. Earplugs, headphones and eye masks can help diminish noise and light.
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Step 4
Stay awake on the plane when it is daytime at your destination. Read a thriller with the light on and the window shade open, or cruise the aisles.
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Step 5
Drink plenty of water. The air on planes is extremely dry, and dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag.
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Step 6
Avoid alcohol and caffeine while flying. They increase dehydration.
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Step 7
Exercise as much as you can on the flight during waking hours: stretch, walk down the aisles and do leg lifts (see "eHow to Exercise on a Plane," under Related eHows).
Comments
illuminata25 said
on 8/11/2009 Good ideas while you are on the plane enroute!
scottmitzi said
on 12/14/2008 Motion sickness medicine will knock you out for the flight too. I found that out by accident, but faired better than the rest with the jet lag. The water thing is a great tip.
karen6 said
on 3/18/2008 Great information to have, preparing for my first visit to London and Scotland.
rhyme said
on 7/8/2007 If you've missed a whole night's sleep travelling and arrive at your destination in the morning, nap for 3 hours, then get up and stay awake until no more than 2 hours before your normal bedtime.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Take some mild sleeping pills to help you sleep through the night at your destination or on the plane. And if you're not travelling business class, then buy some ear-plugs & eye-shades before the flight!