Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
5 strategies for beating jet lag
When traveling, jet lag can really put a damper on plans. Instead of struggling to make it through the day and spending sleepless nights tossing and turning in your hotel room, try these five strategies that help to beat jet lag.Practice before you leave
Before you leave for your trip, begin resetting your biological clock for the time zone you will soon be entering. About three days before your are set to fly, shift your bedtime by and hour or two in the appropriate direction. If you do this, it will be a lot easier to adjust once you land.
Don't sleep until bedtime
This is the most important rule when it comes to battling jet lag. Until it is nighttime in the city you are in, do not lay down. Go for walks, take in some sights, try out a new restaurant...anything but sleep. On the other hand, do not let your body stay up all night if it is not tired. You need to work to get yourself adjusted to the time difference.
Take care on yourself during the flight
There are many things travelers should be doing while on an airplane to keep themselves healthy. Drink lots of water and limit alcohol so that you stay hydrated and make sure you get up to stretch your legs frequently to avoid blood clots. While international flights often offer free beer and wine, skip it and opt for good old H2O. Your body will thank you when you are not dozing off during your afternoon bus tour.
Know your body
There are a few things to consider when booking your flight. Most importantly, how well do you sleep on planes? If you are not likely to get shut-eye during your flight, book your itinerary so that you land during the evening of your destination and can go right to sleep. However, if you know you'll be able to sleep soundly in the air, it is wise to land at your destination during the day so you will be energized and ready to explore.
Think positive
Remember, you are in a new city and there is a lot to do. Think positive and stay excited about learning about a new culture, trying new foods, and taking great photographs. Sign up for tours that you find exciting and book excursions that will keep you active while quenching your curiosity.
This is the most important rule when it comes to battling jet lag. Until it is nighttime in the city you are in, do not lay down. Go for walks, take in some sights, try out a new restaurant...anything but sleep. On the other hand, do not let your body stay up all night if it is not tired. You need to work to get yourself adjusted to the time difference.
Take care on yourself during the flight
There are many things travelers should be doing while on an airplane to keep themselves healthy. Drink lots of water and limit alcohol so that you stay hydrated and make sure you get up to stretch your legs frequently to avoid blood clots. While international flights often offer free beer and wine, skip it and opt for good old H2O. Your body will thank you when you are not dozing off during your afternoon bus tour.
Know your body
There are a few things to consider when booking your flight. Most importantly, how well do you sleep on planes? If you are not likely to get shut-eye during your flight, book your itinerary so that you land during the evening of your destination and can go right to sleep. However, if you know you'll be able to sleep soundly in the air, it is wise to land at your destination during the day so you will be energized and ready to explore.
Think positive
Remember, you are in a new city and there is a lot to do. Think positive and stay excited about learning about a new culture, trying new foods, and taking great photographs. Sign up for tours that you find exciting and book excursions that will keep you active while quenching your curiosity.
Filed under: Learning, Food and Drink, Hotels and Accommodations, Airlines, Airports, Budget Travel, Travel Health, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Charley Nov 1st 2011 11:22PM
I frequently travel from the East Coast of the US to western and central Europe. That means an overnight over the Atlantic to arrive 8-10am local time. By noon, you are dead tired. I try to find hotels that allow an early checkin, and take a short nap, 2-3 hours. Then awake and clean up, then maybe do an afternoon meeting, dinner, and then to bed slightly early, say 10pm. By morning the next day, all is well.
Unexpected Traveller Nov 2nd 2011 2:17AM
I would also add this useful tip:
If you're heading to a destination where you need to sleep sooner than expected (travelling East), make sure to avoid caffeine products or anything with sugar in it, so that you won't be on an artificial high when you're trying to sleep
Paul Nov 6th 2011 2:24PM
All good tips, but I have a few to add: (1) if possible, get lots of sunlight when you land. Be outside. (2) Eat when the local time suggests you should have a meal, not when you are hungry. This will attune your body to the local clock cycles quicker and (3) try Melatonin. It works great for me, but not my wife, so don't try it the first time on a trip. Use it before you go to bed on the first night away. It normally doesn't help you get to sleep, but it does help adjust your clock while you are sleeping. Others swear by passiflora (passion flower extract) instead. I pretty much do all of the tips in this article, and my additional tips and never get jetlag. I used to get it terribly, so I know these work.