5 Effective Ways To Prevent Jet lag

Jet lag is an all-too-familiar term for people who travel in countries with different time zones. As per the American Sleep Association, 93% of air travellers will experience jet lag at some point.

Though it is temporary, the severity depends on the destination, your physical health, number of time zones crossed, and the direction of travel.

However, if you are a nervous flyer, it can wreak havoc on your overall health.

Therefore, before boarding your flight, educate yourself through an online professional air flying course to overcome fear of flying.

Preparing for jet lag and possibly preventing it can help you to have a better flying experience.

Some of the ways to prevent jet lag are:

1.   Take a nap during the flight

A short but sound nap during the flight can help you stay active and awake during the day.

During the flight, avoid having cola, energy drinks, tea, or coffee. These stimulants can make it more difficult for you to sleep and can make the jet lag hit you harder.

However, if you are travelling during day time avoid taking a nap for more than 40 minutes as it can keep you from falling asleep at night.

2.   Eat healthy and stay hydrated

The best way to prevent jet lag is to treat your body well. There are some food items that can help your body adjust to jet lag faster.

Ryan Maciel, R.D.N, dietitian from Needham, Mass says that what and when we eat influences your internal biological clock.

During air travel, eat food items rich in carbohydrates and proteins such as quinoa, cherries, and bananas, just to name a few.

Also, cabin air is dehydrating and can compound the effects of jet lag. To avoid this, drink lots of water or juice and stay hydrated.

3.   Block out any source of light

The light around your seat while travelling has a great impact on your body’s ability to adjust to the timezone of your destination.

When your brain senses light, it limits sleep and you may experience symptoms of jet lag.

To help your body calm down on the flight, carry some of the essential items in your handbag:

• A hat that has a long front brim
• Sunglasses
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Sleeping mask

4.   Say no to caffeine and alcohol

Yeah! It may be tempting to have alcohol or coffee during air travel.

However, it won’t help you in the long run. At higher altitudes, both alcohol and caffeine can cause fatigue and worsen the effects of jet lag.

As boring as it seems, just stick to water or juice on the plane to avoid jet lag.

5.   Take melatonin pill

Melatonin is a hormone produced by our brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

As per some studies, melatonin pill can prevent jet lag if taken before and after the trip.

However, the overdose of melatonin can make you more exhausted and can cause dizziness. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before having it.

Wrap up

Above all, prevention is better than cure. There is no specific treatment for jet lag, only preventive measures can help you manage the symptoms.

Are there any more ways to prevent jet lag? Do comment below