Jetlag, the dreaded consequence of long-distance air travel, is an all too common experience for those who regularly cross time zones. It can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even affect your mood. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce jet lag’s effects and help you get back on track. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to recover from jetlag:
1. Get Plenty of Rest
Getting plenty of rest before and after your flight will help your body adjust quickly to the new time zone. Try to sleep as much as possible throughout the journey, especially during long flights. Take breaks at regular intervals while traveling if possible.
2. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
Adjust your sleep schedule as close as possible to the new local time. If you’re traveling east, go to bed a few hours earlier than usual and wake up a few hours earlier; if you’re going west, do the opposite. Even small adjustments of 15-30 minutes can affect how quickly your body adjusts.
3. Eat Right
Eating a healthy diet while traveling can also help your body adjust quickly to the new time zone. Avoid large meals, as they can make you feel sluggish and tired. Instead, opt for smaller, lighter meals throughout the day, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
4. Exercise
Exercise helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can help you adjust to new time zones more quickly. Even if you don’t have access to a gym, try to get some physical activity each day while traveling. A brisk walk around your hotel or a jog can help make a difference.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated during air travel can also help reduce jet lag. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. If possible, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after noon to adjust to the new time zone better.
Following these tips can help make your transition into a new time zone a bit smoother and help you recover from jet lag more quickly. How you handle jet lag can depend largely on how well-prepared you are, so make sure to plan and give yourself plenty of time to adjust. Remember to rest, eat right, exercise, and stay hydrated while traveling.
Can I Nap When Jet Lagged?
Yes, napping can be beneficial when you’re jet-lagged. Naps of 20-30 minutes are generally recommended as they can help re-energize you while allowing you to get back on track with your new sleep schedule. However, make sure not to nap too late in the day or for longer than 45 minutes, as this can make it harder for you to adjust. Instead, try to nap regularly throughout the day to maximize the effects. If you’re having trouble sleeping or feeling particularly exhausted, talk to your doctor about medications that may be able to help with jet lag.
Is There a Cure For Jetlag?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed cure for jet lag. However, following the tips above can help reduce its effects and make your transition into a new time zone much easier. Additionally, some research suggests that taking melatonin supplements may be beneficial in helping with sleep adjustment when crossing multiple time zones.
Talk to your healthcare provider before considering any supplements or medications for jet lag, as some may have side effects or interact with other medications. Jet lag can be a difficult situation to deal with, especially when crossing multiple time zones.
How does It feel When your Body Recovers From Jetlag?
When your body is recovering from jet lag, you should notice an improvement in your energy levels and sleep patterns. You may still feel tired at times, but the severity of your fatigue will gradually decrease.
Any symptoms, such as headaches or digestive issues, should improve over time. The amount of time it takes for your body to adjust can vary depending on how many time zones you cross and your physiology, but most people begin to feel better within a few days.
If jet lag still affects you after several days, consider talking to your healthcare provider about medications or supplements that can help with the transition. Additionally, ensure enough sleep and practice healthy habits such as eating well and exercising to speed up recovery.
What Is Jetlag Recovery Calculator?
A jet lag recovery calculator is a helpful tool that can be used to estimate the amount of time it will take your body to adjust to a new time zone. By entering information such as your starting and ending locations, the number of time zones crossed, and current sleep patterns, the calculator can generate an estimated timeline for when you should start feeling better.
These calculators can be found online and are a great way to plan your travel and ensure you’re giving yourself enough time to adjust. Ultimately, jet lag is something that most travelers will experience at some point. Knowing how to recover from jetlag can help make the transition into a new time zone smoother and easier.
Why Is Jetlag Worse Going East and What Are Its Symptoms?
Jet lag is typically worse when traveling east because it throws off the body’s natural circadian rhythm more than going west. The symptoms of jet lag can vary but may include fatigue, insomnia, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and digestive issues. How long these symptoms last depends on how well-rested you are before the trip and how many time zones you cross.
Conclusion
Jet lag is an all-too-familiar experience for travelers, especially those crossing multiple time zones. While there is no guaranteed cure for jet lag, following the tips above can help minimize its effects and make your transition into a new time zone more manageable.
Additionally, consider using a jet lag recovery calculator to estimate how long it will take for your body to adjust. Ultimately, jet lag is an unavoidable part of traveling, but with the right strategies and preparation, it doesn’t have to be such a difficult experience.
