Jetlag is defined as a physiological condition that is a consequence of alterations to the circadian rhythm. In other words, feeling miserable after a flight in which you cross one or many time zones. This is all caused by a break in your sleep cycle or circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms refers to the cycle of night and day that your body is used to based on your time zone. When you cross time zones in travel, this cycle is disrupted causing various symptoms, including irritability, change in appetite, sinus irritation, fatigue, headaches and disorientation. This is the last thing you want when you are planning the perfect getaway, so here are some tips to help reduce the symptoms and get you on your way to a fabulous vacation.
Before Your Trip
Start by determining what the time difference is going to be and try adjusting your schedule a few days in advance. Some useful websites to help you figure this out are:
www.britishairways.com
www.bodyclock.com
Once you’ve determined the time difference, when booking your flight you may want to give yourself a day or two before you really start touring around to help with the time adjustment. A good measure for recovery time is to allow one day per time zone. Likewise, on your return home, allow for the same recover time before heading back to work.
During Your Trip
During your trip, you will want to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding caffeine because the dry air associated with the altitude will make you dehydrated and complicate the symptoms. You may need to sleep on your flight depending on if you have a morning or overnight flight and what the time schedule is like at your destination. When traveling westward, bedtime is usually later so use of caffeinated products (after your flight) may be useful in the afternoon to help get you adjusted on arrival. When traveling eastward it is the opposite and use of caffeine will only make matters worse.
Arrival
Once you’ve reached your destination, you will want to adjust your watch to the current local time immediately to help improve your body’s new time change. Make your first day or two in your new surroundings leisurely, as it is hard to predict the severity of your presenting symptoms. Some are fortunate enough to have mild symptoms, while some really have a difficult time adjusting. Other factors may include change in altitude and other environmental causes like humidity and temperature.
Be aware of the possibility of jetlag and prepare as best as you can. This will help put you on the right track for an amazing vacation wherever that may be!
