How To Tackle Jet Lag

Jet Lag! What is it and why do I suffer from it? How do i remedy it? Jet Lag occurs when we cross time zones. It has been studied that for every time zone crossed, it takes one day to recover. That is a long recovery rate, especially for the world business traveler.

Let’s start by defining what causes Jet Lag, so we understand why it happens.

Jet Lag occurs because there is an interruption in the Limbic system as well as the Circadian rhythms of your body.  The Limbic System is the system responsible for transporting nutrients to the cells of the body. In addition, the Limbic system is also responsible for removing the waste produced by your cells.  This system relies on movement for it to function correctly. If you are not moving for long periods of time, your Limbic system has no ability to function properly. When the Limbic system is not functioning, fatigue is felt, hence the jet lag  Even wonder why you feel so tired after simply sitting?

Now your circadian rhythm is your internal clock that is on a 24 hour cycle.  This clock tells you when you need to sleep, and regulates your sleep patterns. Jet lag also occurs when the Circadian Rhythm is disrupted which also causes fatigue to set in.

There are many other factors that play into experiencing Jet Lag, in addition to the above mentioned. Some of those include poor diet, lack of exercise, and age.

There is no absolute remedy or guarantee that you can avoid Jet Lag. However, you can take precautionary measures to help remedy the jet lag effects of crossing several times zones.

1) This is essential for anyone anywhere for any reason. Avoid Stress!  Do whatever is necessary to make your travel as stress free and in turn jet lag free as possible. Plan head, pack early, leave for the airport early, get all necessary errands done days before its time to depart. Stress is the number one factor in the inability to sleep, and lack of sleep turns into jet lag.

2) Exercise: keep your regular exercise schedule and continue to keep your regular exercise schedule at your destination. This helps avoid fatigue and shakes off jet lag.

3) Diet: There are plenty of websites and articles that will help you to eat right just before you leave on your trip.  But good nutrition is good health and should be practiced as much as possible. Proper nutrition is a remedy that gives your body exactly what it needs to function and in turn prevents fatigue.

4) Sleep! Sleep as much as you can on the plane.  Some suggested products to help you find comfort on the plane include noise canceling head phones, “U” shaped pillows (not the inflatable ones; they inflate and deflate with altitude), also  try an eye mask to block light. The more you keep your regular patterns, the more you will remedy fatigue, and in turn remedy jet lag.

5) Drink plenty of water.  Hydration is imperative on the plane.

a. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and soda. Water! Water! Water!

b. Drinking lots of water will also make you get up and move during the flight.Very important!

6) Stretch Frequently.  If you’re up from drinking so much water; while you are waiting in line for the lavatory, stretch!

a. Remember your Limbic System

7) Avoid Sleeping pills

a. Sleeping pills cause you to not move during sleep. On a plane this is very dangerous.  Sitting for prolonged time affects the Limbic system but also increase your chances for blood clots. It is reported in the England’s Lancet Medical Journal that 18% of deaths on long flights are due to blood clots which travel to the lungs.

8) Set your watch to the destination city’s time. This helps remedy jet lag, because the faster you adjust to local time, the less time you feel behind.

These are simple tips you can do for yourself to avoid severe Jet Lag. Even following several of these will help remedy the effects of jet lag.  Enjoy and Happy travels!