Jet lag is an annoyance that most travellers have probably experienced at least once in their lives. Our bodies have natural 24 hour circadian rhythms, and once we fly long-haul and travel through time zones, these rhythms are disrupted, leading to extreme tiredness and unwanted physical symptoms. Below are some tips to help minimise the effects of jetlag, so you can get your holiday off to a healthier and happier start.
Prepare for Jet Lag
Prepare for Jet Lag
If you prepare your body clock for a different time zone, you’ll be more likely to start your holiday feeling fresh without that dreaded jet lag. If you’re travelling east, then we recommend going to bed an hour earlier for up to a few days before travel, and an hour later when travelling west. It’s also a good idea to change your watch to the local time of your arrival destination as soon as you get on the plane, so your brain is already prepared for the change.
Do Plenty of Exercise
Moving around and stretching regularly will keep your blood flow steady, and this will have a positive effect on your circadian rhythm and therefore help to alleviate jet lag. Exercising also boosts endorphins and sedative substances into the blood, so you’ll feel more relaxed and less flat after a long-haul flight, and can therefore enjoy a deeper sleep on the first night of your holiday. Traveasy offers & deals on air tickets domestic to many world-wide destinations, so you can look forward to a pleasant and affordable trip.
Stay Hydrated
The body functions better when it’s hydrated, so do ensure that you drink plenty of water before and during your flight. As tempting as it is to start on the alcohol with holiday mode kicking in, alcohol mixed with a high altitude will cause dehydration and increase tiredness, making the effects of jet lag worse. It’s also best to avoid caffeine-heavy drinks even when you’re feeling tired, as caffeine stimulates the brain, affecting your ability to sleep.
Expose Yourself to Daylight
If you arrive at your travel destination during the day, then we advise that you spend as much time as possible outside. Light is actually the most powerful regulator of our body clocks, so you can use this to help match your circadian rhythms with the new time zone. Sunlight also hinders melatonin production (the hormone that makes you feel tired) and tells the body that it’s time to be awake, which will help you to overcome tiredness and make you feel more refreshed.
So you've worked out how to beat jet lag and you're ready to explore the world. Book discounted air tickets domestic with Traveasy and look forward to a jet lag free holiday!