How not to get jet lagged?

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Cpt Doug

Hi, Commercial Pilot here... Jet Lag is worst if you are traveling East.

This is because your body has a 25 hour rhythm, as we know, there hours of the day follow a 24 hour period thus our body is used to slowing down our body clocks even when we are not travelling! So travelling east where you are losing time means that your body clock needs to speed up to catch up rather than slow down so the effect is compounding! research has also shown that life style effects things - if you are a party goer you will more likely not be effected by the easterly shift but if you need to work in the day you will be! Also, it has been shown that personality can also affect things... good luck!

tom my

Sleep thru out the flight...

todd

depends on the type of flight. When you are flying west to east throught the night, obviously the best thing you can do is try to sleep on the plane. If you cant sleep on the plane, then force yuorself to stay up when you get to your destinantion. Several cups of coffee, whatever, the first day many be rough.. but that will ussualy get your through it.

sassygrrll7

Drink lots and lots of water,go to bed at your normal time and wake up at your normal time and eat fresh fruit

FilmCollector

Drink water. As much as you can. Dehydration is a major issue in air travel, and contributes to a variety of issues, including just plain ole discomfort. If you can, bring bottled water or ask for bottled water onboard. If the latter, it might be a good idea to ask for it earlier in the flight, as some airlines have had issues recently with low per plane supplies of bottled water. Stay way from airline tap water if at all possible. Limit or forego alcoholic beverages. Altitude changes can change the effects of alcohol, & it can also dry you out. Also avoid caffeine, for half a day to a day before your flight as well. This includes, of course, coffee & soda. It can help you stay awake, but it can also play havok with your sleeping.

My rule of thumb is 2-4 days before my flight I start to gradually shift my eating & sleeping times over to the times of my destination. It makes it easier to adopt the local routine when I arrive.

When you arrive at your location, consider using some type of fast action melatonin. There are debates as to it's effectiveness, but some long term travel friends I know swear by the stuff. Can't say I've used it though.

When you get to your location, get into the routine. Get outside & into the sun. You need to get your body reclocked, & the best way to do it is to throw yourself into the normal routine IMO.

And have fun!

Private_Jet_Charter

Drink plenty of water on the flight (get an isle seat so you have easy access to the restroom) since dehydration is the primary cause. Also, set your watch to the new time zone as soon as you step on the plane to help you get acclamated to the new schedule.

tartu_k

Get plenty of rest before beginning your trip.
Drink lots of water, and avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
If you're tired when you reach your destination, take a nap, but try to go to bed for the night with the local time.
If at all possible, sleep in-flight. (My mom can take a Benadryl and sleep across the Atlantic. I never can seem to!)
Make sure you eat healthy foods while traveling.

Have fun!!

Ben T

If you are someone who has twenty five dollars to spare, buy a one-time visit pass to your airline's executive departure lounge. This is only if you are connecting flights. Take a shower, have a free coffee or coke, and enjoy the experience. You might also want to fly first or business class, as you can sleep much better on board the flight itself. Hope that this helps you. Enjoy your flight!

Aces

I took a red eye a few times, not jet lagged at all! And these were longer flights NY to Hawaii, NY to Vegas etc. Compared to my basic NY to Florida flight, of which I get jet lagged, go figure! Red eye happens to work for me, try it!

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