This list of 6 tips is written from personal experience. I’m not a doctor – I have no medical training of any kind. These steps are the result of personal experience. I’m one of the unfortunate people that suffers badly from jet lag. I listen in wonder at people who say they are flying from the UK to Australia and going straight to work the next day. Have these people not heard of jet lag? Over the years I’ve worked out my own regime to minimise the effects of jet lag. Here they are:
1. If possible, try to eat at the right time for the country you are travelling to. On board the plane you are usually served the final meal at a reasonable time (for long haul flights) – but it is all too easy to arrive in Australia (for example) in the morning and then not eat for hours because you’re not hungry. Your body thinks it’s the middle of the night. You don’t eat until the evening – then you go to bed. Half way through the night you’re wide awake and hungry because your body thinks it’s supper time. Ok if you are staying in a hotel with room service or a self-catering apartment, but seriously embarrassing if you are staying with friends. I know -I’ve done it. You’re padding round the kitchen making a midnight raid on the fridge.
Make sure you eat at lunchtime, even if you don’t feel hungry. This establishes a proper eating routine and stops you waking up in the middle of the night because you are hungry.
2. If you land in the morning, but are tired, don’t be afraid to have a short sleep. If you don’t sleep at all you’ll get overtired. I don’t know why, but this stops you sleeping. Don’t sleep for too long – use an alarm clock to wake yourself up after a couple of hours. If you oversleep you won’t be tired at bedtime.
3. If you have a friendly doctor, ask if he or she is willing to prescribe you a few mild sleeping pills. These are useful to help you go to sleep at the right time. You will probably only need to take them for a couple of nights.
4. When I flew to New Zealand a few years ago I heard an advert on the radio there for a product that claimed to prevent jet lag. I found the nearest shopping mall and headed for the chemist. It turned out to be a homoeopathic product called “No Jet Lag”. I bought them and took these as described on the packet on the return flight. I was amazed at how much they seemed to reduce my symptoms when I returned home. A the time these weren’t available in the UK, but I’m fairly certain you can buy them worldwide these days.
5. Make sure you drink plenty of water on the plane. The atmosphere onboard is dry and it is easy to dehydrate on long haul flights. Although drinks are offered regularly, they are usually not enough. Most planes have a water dispenser at the back of the cabin. Get up regularly and refill your cup. If you aren’t in an aisle seat, use two cups to avoid disturbing your fellow passengers more than necessary. If you make sure you don’t dehydrate, you won’t keep waking during the night after you arrive because you are thirsty.
6. Avoid drinking alcohol on the plane. It isn’t necessary and alcohol is dehydrating - see 5 above.
7. Try a total jet-lag prevention programme such as the one available from avoiding jet lag.