Whether your travel plans are designed for business or personal if you end up crossing time zones you will be subjecting your body to desynchronosis, more commonly referred to as jet lag. Anyone who has ever gone through this process will agree that it can leave them in a state of confusion, which can seriously affect their travel plans, especially if they are heading west. The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to soften the blow of this discomfort, in fact, some travelers have suggested that if properly handled jet lag may be prevented completely.
Planning Ahead
The biggest cause of jet lag is the adjustment in time zones, the greater the adjustment, the more confused your body will become. Sleep is an important part in preventing this change and can generally be corrected if you make your body adapt to the difference in time before the fact. Travelers who expect to arrive at their destination in the morning hours should prepare themselves by getting as much sleep as possible before they land. This will allow them to be fresh and ready to make it through the day in their new time zone without their internal time-clocks trying to send them off to sleep.
Avoid Dehydration
Dehydration is a common symptom of jet lag, in fact; it has been known to intensify the effects. The problem with flying the friendly skies is that the air inside the cabin can work towards dehydrating the body already, which is why the traveler will need to compensate for it. Increase your fluid intake before you get on the aircraft and most of that fluid should be water. Caffeine products have a tendency to intensify the dehydration process and so will alcoholic beverages, so try to avoid both of them before and during the flight.
Choose Wisely
Medications can make jet lag considerably worse for the traveler, especially the ones that intensify the feeling of sleepiness. As important as it is to gain a decent night’s sleep before you arrive, it would be in your best interest to adjust your sleep patterns gradually a few days before you board the aircraft. Ingesting sleeping tablets, even for a long flight, will probably leave you a little groggy when you arrive at your destination and turn your first day into a nightmare. Once you have boarded the aircraft, adjust your watch to the current time of your expected destination.
Upon Arrival
Even with a decent night’s sleep and a properly hydrated body, there will be a few adjustments to be made. A respectable pair of shades will prevent the shocking sunlight against your eyes when you are expecting the dark of the night. Get your body in sync with the mealtime patterns of your destination and resist the temptation to skip a meal because your stomach is still sleeping. Hunger pangs can usually be solved with a small snack, but avoid overeating as this will leave you feeling full when you should be having your meal. And finally, the first night in your new time zone should be spent sleeping, not staying up watching television or at a night club.
