How to Prepare for Jet Lag
With the excitement of visiting new places and cultures comes the prospect of crossing multiple time zones, and in turn, the possibility of jet lag. The staff at AmericanHospitals.com describes jet lag as a "confused body clock." With no time reference to latch on to, your body can experience dizziness, muscle soreness and hunger attacks when you expect them the least. Taking time to prepare for the possibility of jet lag greatly reduces its risk.
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Instructions
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Schedule an early flight if you plan to travel east and a late-afternoon or evening flight if you plan to travel west.
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Purchase sleeping aids, but not sleeping pills. Sleeping aids like pillows, comfortable slipper socks and ear plugs ensure comfort and enhance rest for long flights. However, steer clear of sleeping pills. They can induce deep sleep to the point of prolonged immobility. Some mobility during flights is crucial to help prevent blood clots.
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Adjust your sleep habits. Three days before your eastbound flight, go to sleep earlier at night and wake up earlier. For a westbound flight, go to sleep later. This ensures you stay on your regular sleep schedule.
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Plan for light meals and some in-flight exercise. Eating light will minimize physical discomfort while you're on your long route, and an occasional walk down the aisle will keep you mobile enough to keep your activity level on track during your body's interruption from its daily routine.
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Drink plenty of water while in-flight. The dry air in the cabin can lead to dehydration, so be prepared to counter its effects.
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- Photo Credit airplane image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
