Long-Haul Flights: Beat The Jet Lag
We will show you how to get rid of jet lags as quickly as possible.
Headaches, sleep disorders and loss of appetite: these are just a few of the symptoms caused by jet lag after a long journey. These symptoms are not just unpleasant, they can interfere with your daily routines during your holidays.
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We will show you how to get rid of jet lags as quickly as possible.
The Symptoms
Travelling to a far-off country often means travelling through different time zones, which can affect your body clock. Unfortunately, some people are more sensitive to these changes in time than others.
The following symptoms can occur at the beginning of your trip after a long journey:
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems
- Concentration difficulties
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Mood swings
How long your body needs to recover depends on where you are travelling to. The amount of daylight you are exposed to will have a big impact on your general wellbeing after a long journey. It will help to control your sleep-wake patterns, as well as your body temperature and hormone production. Once you have arrived in your country of destination, try to stay outdoors as much as possible.
The average adjustment period for each time zone you fly through is anything between half a day and a full day.
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Tips for flights travelling west
When you fly to countries in the west, you will be ‘given’ extra hours, which will make your travel day significantly longer than normal.
- Stay awake during the flight, otherwise you will interrupt your normal sleep-wake pattern.
- Try to plan your trip so you arrive as close to noon as possible.
- Eat protein-rich foods on the flight, including eggs, cheese, meat and fish. This will help you to fight fatigue.
Tips for flights travelling east
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- Go to bed early during the week of your flight, and try to get used to your destination’s time zone.
- Sleep during the flight so you do not miss out on too much sleep.
- Eating food rich in carbohydrates will help you sleep.
Set your watches to the destination time in the airport before you travel, as this will help you to prepare yourself mentally for the time difference. It is also a good idea to eat according to the meal times at your destination.
How to sleep better on the plane
If possible, book a seat by the window so you do not have to get up to let other passengers out.
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Relax with a pillow, and ask your neighbours and the flight attendants not to disturb you with meals and drinks while you sleep. Do not pressure yourself by counting the remaining hours as this will make the entire experience more mundane. Get comfortable and listen to some relaxing music.
By following these tips, your flight abroad should be relaxing, and your jet lag should be kept to a minimum.
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