How to Overcome Jetlag


Jetlag seems to be every traveler's worst nightmare ? especially if you're going away for just a short while.

What causes Jetlag?

Jetlag is a condition that arises from crossing multiple time zones in a relatively short time and consequently disturbs your natural body clock or circadian rhythms. Other contributing factors include lack of exercise, dry atmosphere and alcohol.

What are the symptoms of Jetlag?

Arriving at your destination feeling tried, groggy and disorientated are the most common symptoms. Many people also find it difficult to concentrate and have very erratic sleep patterns. Waking up in the middle of the night or feeling a need to take nap during the day can be frequent.

Because of the dry atmosphere aboard aircraft, Dehydration can also be a major problem.

How long do the symptoms last for?

Jetlag symptoms can last for just a few hours ? all the way up to a week (for more acute cases). Generally though, travelers find on a normal flight between the US and Europe, the effects of Jetlag last for a couple of days. As a guide, for every time zone you cross, allow for a full day of recovery. Symptoms also vary by age. Children are far less susceptible.

How can Jetlag symptoms be reduced?

Before you depart, make sure that you get plenty of sleep. Eat well and avoid alcohol. Allow for plenty of time before departure. Stress is one of the worst culprits. Also, try taking some zinc supplements as it's been proven that people with higher zinc levels tend to suffer less.

While traveling, drink plenty of water. Stay away from alcohol, fizzy drinks and coffee. These drinks only exacerbate jetlag causing dehydration, tiredness and headaches. Drink plenty of water. Chamomile tea is very calming. Eat Lightly. The last thing your body needs it to digest a large meal. Exercise - "Economy Class Syndrome" is caused from inactivity or sitting in the same position for an extended time. When the time permits, get up and walk around the aircraft.

Specific exercises and stretching techniques can be accessed through:

http://www.airnz.co.nz/resources/inflight_exercises.pdf

Try and get some sleep. Sleeping onboard will not only help to pass the time, but can help you feel refreshed upon arrival. A travel neck pillow will assist in your sleeping, providing excellent head support. Avoid sleeping pills at all costs.

When you arrive, getting a quick nap will seem very attractive indeed ? but resist this temptation. Go to bed at your normal bedtime (based on local time). This will force your body to adjust to any new time zones far quicker.

Article by Travel J - Traveler's Resources & Information - http://www.travelj.com

Sarah Moore has been in the travel and tourism industry for over 20 years and is currently working with one of the worlds largest coach networks. Sarah is also the webmaster of TravelJ - A Traveler's Resources & Information Network - http://www.travelj.com







Related News



GE Aviation plans job cuts - Bizjournals.com

GE Aviation plans job cuts
Bizjournals.com, NC -1 hour ago
GE Aviation will be cutting jobs in 2009, with commercial airlines suffering the effects of a global economic slowdown and orders for new planes falling ...

AVIATION WEEK Names Robert Gates Person of the Year - PR Newswire (press release)

AVIATION WEEK Names Robert Gates Person of the Year
PR Newswire (press release), NY -1 hour ago
9 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert M. Gates , US Secretary of Defense, has been named the 2008 Person of the Year in a cover story released this week in Aviation Week ...

Army aviation officials seek to improve communications - FCW.com

Army aviation officials seek to improve communications
FCW.com, VA -Jan 8, 2009
By Doug Beizer Army aviation commanders are developing ways to use technology to share up-to-date information about the problems faced by deployed troops, ...

BBA Aviation sees 2008 performance in line - Reuters

RTT News

BBA Aviation sees 2008 performance in line
Reuters -10 hours ago
LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - British aviation services company BBA Aviation (BBA.L) said performance for 2008 would be in line with market expectations, ...
BBA Aviation shares jump after reduction in net debtMarketWatch
BBA Aviation confirms FY08 results in line with estimates; names ...RTT News
FTSE 250 movers: BBA takes off on in-line updateShareCast
RTT News - ShareCast
all 11 news articles


China gives more support for sagging aviation sector - Reuters

AFP

China gives more support for sagging aviation sector
Reuters -20 hours ago
SHANGHAI, Jan 9 (Reuters) - China has again sought to lift the country's aviation industry, hit hard by the global financial crisis, with the government ...
China moves to bail out aviation industry amid global crisisAFP
China's struggling airlines get tax breakThe Associated Press
China aviation giant AVIC signs $26 bln credit agreementCCTV
China Daily - Trading Markets (press release)
all 82 news articles

Landings: News: Aviation News by Pacific Flyer - Pacific Flyer

Pacific Flyer

Landings: News: Aviation News by Pacific Flyer
Pacific Flyer, CA -9 hours ago
Twelve professional aviation organizations made their case to senior members of Congress last month, hoping to be included in any economic stimulus programs ...
Landings: News: Aviation News by Pacific FlyerPacific Flyer
Landings: News: Aviation News by Pacific FlyerPacific Flyer
Landings: News: Aviation News by Pacific FlyerPacific Flyer
Pacific Flyer - Pacific Flyer
all 31 news articles

Art and aviation - Reno News & Review

Art and aviation
Reno News & Review, NV -Jan 8, 2009
By Brad Bynum Count Guido Roberto Deiro was a pilot and businessman “heavily involved with aviation matters in Nevada,” when he met Michael Heizer, ...

Bonnell to join state aviation committee - Bizjournals.com

Bonnell to join state aviation committee
Bizjournals.com, NC -3 hours ago
Timothy K. Bonnell Sr., has been appointed to the Kansas State Aviation Advisory Committee, having received notification from Kansas Secretary of ...

Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels - SmartBrief

Boston Globe

Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels
SmartBrief, DC -Jan 8, 2009
The aviation industry wants to find an alternative to jet fuel after it got burned last summer. Continental Airlines is testing fuel made from the tropical ...
Flying on VegetablesNew York Times
Biofuels gain momentum in aviation industryWashington Energy Services
Continental latest airline to complete biofuel flightBusiness Green
Los Angeles Times - BBC News
all 274 news articles

Private pilots balk at idea of TSA oversight - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Aviation Week

Private pilots balk at idea of TSA oversight
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA -12 hours ago
About 200 pilots, directors of corporate flight departments and aviation entrepreneurs from across the Southeast packed a conference room at the Renaissance ...
Air Security Could Involve Private JetsNew York Times
Graves finds aviation rule proposal excessiveSt. Joseph News-Press
Homeland Security proposes to tighten Private Aviation SecurityPrivate Jet Daily
Aero-News Network - The Wichita Eagle
all 37 news articles