How to Prevent Jet Lag
Jet lag doesn't have to ruin the first few days of your trip abroad. A few simple tips will help keep it in check.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Travel Kits
- Headphones
- Bottled Water
- High-protein Snacks
- Eye Masks
- Earplugs
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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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2
Begin adjusting to the time zone of your destination by resetting your watch at the beginning of your flight.
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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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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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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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6
Avoid alcohol and caffeine while flying. They increase dehydration.
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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).
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1
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Comments
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illuminata25
Aug 11, 2009
Good ideas while you are on the plane enroute! -
derbyka
Mar 05, 2009
Jet lag can be miserable. Next time I go on a long trip, I'm definitely going to try these tips.
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e-Rambler
Feb 19, 2009
Good tips. Step 2 and Step 5 always work for me!
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Mitzi Saltsman
Dec 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.
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karen6
Mar 18, 2008
Great information to have, preparing for my first visit to London and Scotland.
