How to deal with jetlag

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12-28-2009 @ 9:41PM

Mary Jo said...

While I agree with some of your tips (especially sleeping with the drapes open on layovers), I heartily disagree with your suggestion that you sleep in the middle of the day if you're tired.

I've found that staying awake during the day is critical if I'm going to adjust to a new time schedule. If I nap, I then can't sleep at night and for another day I am off cycle. I've also found that once I go to sleep at night and wake up the following morning my body has made a huge leap toward acclimating itself to a new time zone.

The other tip I'd add is to stop thinking of the time as the time at your home. It's the time where you are that matters, and it's just messes with your mind otherwise.

12-28-2009 @ 11:38PM

Nick said...

David, I have to agree with Mary Jo's comment about staying awake during the day to adjust better with local time. I've traveled 15+ hour flights (obviously not as often as you!!) and it has always worked for me to force myself through the day and go to bed only after the sun goes down. Your body will fight against your will through the day, but you are acclimatized the moment you wake up on Day 2 morning. On the other hand, if you give in and retire during the day, your body's time conflict with the new surrounding will continue into Day 2, Day 3 and so on. Just bite the bullet on the first day to cut that ugly cycle.

Of course, coping strategies depend on individual circumstances (whether you are on a vacation or business) as well as one's health and bodily abilities.

Great article overall!

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