Don't let jet-lag get you down!

The problem of circadian dischronism or jet lag is faced by most air travellers. DT shows what one can do to avoid jet lag.
The problem of circadian dischronism or jet lag is faced by most air travellers. DT shows what one can do to avoid jet lag.
The problem of circadian dischronism or jet lag is faced by most air travellers. DT shows what one can do to avoid jet lag.
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The problem of circadian dischronism or jet lag is faced by most air travelers. DT shows what one can do to avoid jet lag.
Our bodies have an internal clock that determines when we are hungry, when we are sleepy, and when we are wide awake in a 24-hour period. It is the disruption of that internal clock that causes jet lag.
Flying for a few hours will put your body in a new time zone, but it can take a while for the body’s internal clock to adjust. This time of adjustment for your internal clock is what is known as jet lag. Some people adjust quickly to the change, and others take more time. On an average, it takes one day for every time zone crossed to get your internal clock to synchronise with the new time zone.
Symptoms:
People experiencing jet lag generally have a feeling of disorientation and fatigue and an inability to concentrate. Other common symptoms of jet lag include insomnia or broken sleep, dehydration, ear, nose, or eye irritation, headache, light headedness, nausea, aching joints, swollen legs or feet and irritability.
Prevention and treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent jet lag. If you are travelling through only one or two time zones, when you arrive at your destination, ignore the clock and stay on your regular eating and sleeping schedule. If you have a long stay through several time zones, change your schedule to the new time before you go. Simply changing your schedule one hour per day could shorten your adjustment time at the end of your trip. For longer trips, there are things that you can do before, during, and after your travel to reduce the effects of jet lag.
Before you fly
Get plenty of rest. Be calm. Avoid that last-minute rush. Be well hydrated. If you are experiencing health problems, check with your doctor before you fly.
While you fly
Drink 8 ounces of water for each hour that you are on the plane. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it decreases hydration. Set your watch to the new time zone upon departure. Wear comfortable clothing. Walk around the cabin of the plane. Sleep if you are scheduled to arrive in the morning. Take along an eye mask, neckrest, slippers, or foam rubber earplugs to help you sleep. Stay awake on the plane if you are scheduled to arrive in the evening. Keep yourself busy with an activity, reading, needlework, or conversation.
After you fly
Start moving as soon as you get off the plane, eg, avoid the escalators and moving sidewalks. Drink plenty of water. Shower or bathe to help hydrate your body. Get some exercise outdoors. Some people find that taking Melatonin (0.5 mg) 30 minutes before the intended sleep time in the new time zone to be helpful. To be effective, the Melatonin treatment must be followed by 15 minutes of exposure to bright light at the intended wake-up time. Keep your mind off the time difference. Don’t think about what time it is at home.