Are you a frequent traveller? They you have probably battled jet lag at some point in your life. Here are four proven ways to beat jet lag and have a healthy and productive business trip. Jet lag is a physiological condition that results from alterations to the body’s circadian rhythms caused by rapid long-distance trans-meridian travel. It is a sleep disorder that can affect those who travel quickly across multiple time zones.
In today’s fast-paced world, where travelling for business and leisure is the norm, jet lag should not hold you back. Many symptoms come with jet lag, including headaches, strained eyes, and tummy troubles. The most common symptom is a sleep disorder where you have difficulty staying asleep or awake, depending on the time of the day.
While jet lag is not something that can be avoided, there are many ways you can minimize its symptoms and become more efficient while travelling internationally.
Adjust your sleep schedule to the time zone of your destination
One of the significant ways to avoid jet lag and the symptoms it brings with it is to adjust your sleep schedule to the time zone of your destination a few days before you depart. You needn’t change your plan drastically but change your bedtime a few hours at a time depending on how different the time zone at the destination is. This will help you adjust to the sleep time of your destination as soon as you arrive and help you make the maximum use of your time in the new place.
The method mentioned above is most suited for a long trip abroad. However, if you are travelling only for a few days, this may not be the most effective method, especially if you have business dinners or meetings planned at night.
Regulate your light exposure
Another way is to regulate your light exposure. Sunlight is a major factor in your body’s biological timeline of sleep and staying awake. By avoiding sunlight you can influence your sleeping patterns. However, some research is essential to do this, and knowing the time zone and weather of your destination city is important. You can use an online website that can help you prevent jet lag by providing sunlight and avoiding timelines depending on your destination.
Take Melatonin supplements
Taking a melatonin supplement to help make your body stay in sync with the time zone at your destination is another approach. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the body and enables you to sleep. This is not recommended if you are on steroids or other drugs and is a decision best taken after talking to a physician.
Avoid drinking alcohol on the plane.
An easier way to avoid the jet lag blues is to avoid drinking alcohol on the plane. On the same note, it could also be a good idea to prevent cola or other sweetened fizzy drinks on the plane and stick to water and juice. Try to avoid caffeine, and if you are not a regular coffee drinker, then the airport or plane is not the best place to start. It is completely fine to drink your regular morning cup of coffee but avoid ordering a caffeinated drink to kill time.
If jet lag makes travel very stressful for you and find that you can’t function well after reaching your destination and work or leisure plans suffer, talking to a doctor about it could be the best option.
Be ready to try different ways to beat jet lag. Sometimes planning a longer trip could make all the difference.
