What is Jet Lag?

In the medical definition, Jet Lag is a temporary sleep disorder, that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones. It’s one of the most common health problems reported among travelers.

Although is a temporary problem, it’s not always brief for many travelers. If you’re having a long trip – between San Francisco and Rome, for example –  it may take some days to fully recover it. It can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to be able to adjust to the local time.

Your body has its own internal clock, also known as circadian rhythms, that signals your body when to stay awake and when to sleep. Jet lag occurs because your body’s clock is still synced to your original time zone, instead of to the time zone where you’ve traveled. For this, the more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to be a victim of Jeg Lag.  

 

How can you beat it?

1. Get a good night’s sleep before your flight

One of the most common mistakes that travelers make is to sleep just a few hours before a long flight. People tend to think that they will sleep through the flight, so that’s ok to succumb to the pre-holiday excitement. Big mistake! Last minute changes to your routine will make it harder for your body to adjust to new time zones. If you get a good night’s sleep before your flight you will be in better condition to cope with Jet Lag.

2. Avoid ingestion of alcoholic beverages before or during your flight

The effects of alcohol at altitude will increase tiredness and cause dehydration, making it harder to beat the inevitable Jet Lag. As tempting as it may be to have a drink when you are starting your holiday, it doesn’t worth the cost on your well being.

3. Avoid taking sleeping pills 

While you’re on the plane, sleeping pills are a big no. To have a relaxing tea would be a better alternative, that will not let you feeling fuzzy when you land. When it comes to prevent Jet Lag, think first on natural solutions that are not damaging at all to your body.

4. Try to get into the daily rhythm of your new location

When you get on the plane, set your watch to the time of your destination to get yourself psychologically aligned. Don’t do it before your flight, so you don’t get confused about the time of the flight. When you arrive to your destination, try to adapt to the daily rhythm. Even if you feel sleepy, don’t go to sleep before sunset.

5. Spend as much time as possible in open spaces

Natural light will contribute to a faster adaptation of your body to the new environment. Don’t go directly to your hotel and to artificial lights. If you are lucky to arrive in the daytime, take a walk and let your body naturally adjust to the new environment, feeling the light and breathing fresh air.

Now that you know how to prevent and to beat Jet Lag, you are ready to meet the whole world! Go!

SEE ALSO: The Unique Magic of Goa 

 

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