According to a research study, almost 94 percent travelers experience jet lag on long distance travel; in fact, jet lag seems to be every flier’s nightmare, arriving at their destination with annoying symptoms of headaches, insomnia, digestion problems, disorientation and more.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid jet lag and prevent it from ruining your vacation with your loved ones. Here are a few tips:
When you fly long distances, you cross multiple time zones in a relatively short time that disturbs your natural body clock. Jet lag symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a week and vary with age; allow yourself a full day of recovery for every time zone you cross. To reduce jet lag symptoms, make sure you are fully rested before your flight. You can reset your watch to the time of your destination, as it will get you in the right frame of mind. Allow enough time before your departure and be sure to eat a light meal before your flight. Avoid alcohol, fizzy drinks and coffee as they cause dehydration making your jet lag worse. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or soothing herbal tea before and during your flight.
Sitting in the same position for long hours on the flight can cramp up your muscles; try to get up and walk around whenever you can. Try to get some sleep on the flight, as a good rest will help you feel refreshed on arriving at your destination. You can use a travel neck pillow for some head support; sleep aids like earplugs or eye masks can help block out the noise and light, so that you can sleep comfortably. On arriving at your destination, go to bed at your normal time based on the local time as this will help you adjust to the new time zone quicker.