Jan 06 2009
No more jet lags
Jet lag is caused due to inability of your body to immediately adjust to a new time zone.
A part of your brain (hypothalamus) acts as an alarm clock to control various body functions such as hunger, thirst and sleep.
Travelers flying north to south in the same time zone typically experience least problems as the time of day always remain the same as in the place where they started from.
However, travelers flying east experience the most problems because they “lose” time.
Tips:
#1 Arrive at your destination at least 2 days in advance. The extra time is required for your body to adjust to sleep patterns.
#2 Sleep as much as possible in the flight.
#3 Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration.
#4 Avoid alcohol as it can cause dehydration and disrupt sleeping schedules.
#5 Avoid coffee as it can also cause dehydration and disrupt sleeping schedules. Further, it also increases any anxiety you may already have.
#6 While seated, exercise your legs. Move them up and down. It’s always good to move around on the plane.
#7 If you arrive in the morning and you’re feeling sleepy, stay up at least till 8 at night.
#8 If you arrive at night, try to sleep even if you may not feel sleepy.
#9 Go outside. Don’t stay indoors. Exposure to sunlight helps to reset the brain’s alarm clock.
#10 Drugs containing melatonin which is a hormone that regulates body rhythms are available but are best avoided.
