8 Tips To Help You Avoid Or Fight Jet Lag when Travelling for a Fight
You might hear of different medications to help fight jet lag, but there are no known effective over-the-counter cures.
Fortunately, we have compiled a few tips to help you regain normalcy quickly after your next flight when travelling for a fight.
#1. Choose Your Arrival Time Wisely
How you prepare for your trip plays a crucial role in effectively fighting jetlag. One way of reducing the impact of your flight is by planning to arrive at your destination in the evening, especially if you struggle to sleep on planes. It allows you to head straight for bed after landing and checking into your hotel. Conversely, flights that arrive in the noon hours will be an excellent choice if you are a comfortable plane-snoozer. Spending the extra half of your day at the destination by being up and about will signal your body to know it is still time to be active, even when the time difference tells your mind you should be in bed.
#2. Stretch Out The Travel Time
The longer the distance to travel, the wider the time difference as you cross time zones; hence, you are more likely to get jetlagged. It is best to consider flights with layovers, preferably at a halfway destination between where you are headed and home. Better yet, go for longer layovers. Spending half a day or more than 24hours gives your body some time to adjust to the change.
#3. Get Some Sunlight
Daylight is a natural trigger that tells the body to be awake, so we start feeling sleepy soon after it gets dark. The same issue makes people have a tough adjusting when flying west to east. The day seems short, and similarly, the rest or recovery time. Going out to spend some time under the sun as you stroll around the place after arriving can help fight jetlag. This is all down to hormones and changes in your body based around the circadian rhythm. You can also use melatonin sleep gummies to help you when you land – they can aid getting your sleep patterns in order
#4. Set Your Watch Immediately You Board The Plane
Avoid setting your clocks after you reach your destination. It is best to do this once you are in your seat. Depending on the new time zone, it could also help you know if you should try and sleep or stay awake. Airlines are aware of long flights' impact on passengers; thus, they provide amenities like earplugs and eye masks to help those who want to sleep drown out distractions. Take advantage of everything at your disposal designed to make your flight comfier. Short naps (roughly 20 minutes) are ideal if you get to your destination during the daytime and wish to do some business before heading to your hotel.
#5. Do Not Go To Bed Soon After Arriving
Jumping into bed after a long-haul flight can be a mistake, as tempting as it might be. The body will still be operating according to its current circadian rhythm, thus, keeping you awake through the night although you are fatigued from the flight. It is a common predicament for people who do not sleep well on planes. A two-hour nap gives enough recovery time without impeding your chances of enjoying a restful slumber when you get to your destination.
#6. Adjust Your Bed And Meal Times
Changing your bedtime by moving it back or pushing it forward in the days leading to your trip can have a similar impact to splitting the flight time when trying to avoid jetlag. It does not have to be an eight-hour shift, but ease your body into the shift by going to bed at least three or four hours early or late. Also, make the same changes to your meal times to help you address unexpected hunger pangs when at your destination..
#7. Skip The Cup Of Coffee And Alcohol
Knocking back a few glasses of wine when trying to doze will not be a wise thing, and neither that routine morning cup of coffee when you wake up the next day after arriving. You can enjoy either when you land, but ensure it is at least six hours before bed, allowing you to down a glass or two of water before sleeping. Also, please note that alcohol and caffeine are not an idea when you feel very jet lagged.
#8. A ‘Sleep-Friendly’ Setting
You might want to let go and ease into sleep when you finally get to bed, especially when you have been struggling to stay awake the entire day. However, take some time to make the sleeping area as comfy and inviting as possible before you lay down. Utilize the eye mask and earplugs if you want to sleep during the day. You also can consider turning on the fun to create some white noise and keep the room cool, drawing the curtains, and setting your electronics in silent mode.