Dealing
with jet lag
What
is jet lag?
Jet lag, is a term that is used to describe the fuzzy, out of sorts
feeling that often follows a long flight, particularly when the
traveler has passed through a different time zone.
Jet lag can often leave you feeling, drowsey, irritable, bad headaches
and can affect your performance if you have to take part in any
sports or even a business meeting up to a number of hours after
landing.
What causes jet lag?
Cabin pressure.
Lack of humidity Being run down.
Lack of sleep before your flight
Alcohol Traveling through time zone.
Dehydration Lack of movement
Symptoms
of jet lag Fatigue; being worn out and tired for days after
arriving, generally accompanied by a lack of concentration and motivation.
Out of sorts for your character such as; irrational, unreasonable
and bad tempered.
Broken sleep after arrival: Passing through any time zone will knock
you off course especially if you have been flying for a number of
hours.
You may find yourself waking up in the middle of the night and sleeping
earlier in the evening. It may take a few days to get back on track.
Aching muscles for days after your flight.
Reducing
jet lag. Although jet lag can not be cured there are a few things
that you can do yourself to reduce the symptoms.
Here
are some tips to help you before, during and after your flight.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine just before and during your flight.
Reset your watch to the time zone that you are traveling to. Create
as dark an environment on the plane as possible.
Use eyeshades and ear plugs to help block out the in flight distractions
and convince your body that it is dark.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Get plenty of rest before your flight.
Sleep during the flight if you can.
Walk around, massage your lower legs and ankles, stand for about
10 minutes at a time. Drink plenty of water.
If you arrive in the morning plan to stay awake.
If possible try to wait until the local bedtime to sleep. You will
sleep better and will be less likely to suffer insomnia than if
you take a nap upon arriving.
When you arrive back home don`t go straight back to work take at
least a day off to get plenty of rest.
