There’s nothing like a great holiday to recharge your mind, body and soul. But alas, all holidays must come to an end, and you’re probably going to experience that dreaded ‘J’ word – jetlag. But don’t worry, there are many ways you can beat jetlag, and they’re pretty easy to do!
1. Adjust Your Internal Clock
If you’ve been on a long holiday, you’ll need to start about four days before heading home. Gradually shift your eating and sleeping times to correspond with your destination, i.e. home. Although it’s tempting to stay out late (you’re on holiday after all), try to get at least seven hours of sleep. And yes, it may be hard to sleep in a strange bed that’s probably not as comfortable as one from say, Sleepys, but try anyway!
2. Choose Overnight Flights
Overnight flights are ideal because you’ll be served dinner at a reasonable hour in the evening, and your body clock will automatically want you to sleep. Arrival times vary of course, but you’ll most likely arrive at your destination in the morning or afternoon. Replicating you regular schedule and resetting your clock during your flight will make it much easier to get rid of jet lag.
3. Avoid Alcohol
You may have heard from various individuals that it’s not a good idea to consume alcohol on a flight. They’re right! While it seems like a logical thing to have to a drink to relax, it won’t do you any good. Cabin air is extremely dry, and alcohol can lead to dehydration. Moreover, changes in altitude quicken the effects of alcohol, which can make your jet lag symptoms worse. Remember, one drink in the air is like two or three on the ground.
4. Hydrate
When you’re hydrated, you feel fresher. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink about 230 ml of water per hour of your flight. To combat dry skin, consider taking on board lotion, lip balm and an essential-oil-and-water spray (keeping within the limits of carry-on luggage). It would be best to wear glasses, not contact lenses, as they’ll dry out.
5. Cut Down on Caffeine
12 hours before your flight, and during it, it’s best to avoid caffeine. You may feel like you need to stay alert at the start of the flight, but if you plan to get any sleep, resist the urge to have a coffee at the airport. Bear in mind that caffeine can cause an upset stomach in some people too!
6. Sleep at the Right Time
Traveling can take a toll on your body, especially if you have a long flight. The more rest you get on board, the better prepared you’ll be to deal with jetlag. Sleep on board at a time that’s close to your regular bedtime, and when you’re home, don’t just hurry off to take a nap straight away. Unless it’s close to a normal bedtime, napping could mean you find yourself wide awake at 3am!
By following these simple tips, jet lag can easily become a thing of the past. Enjoy your holiday knowing you can do things later that will ease those unpleasant bouts of sleepiness!
