Jet Lag Remedies

 

 Don’t let jet lag impede your travel plans any longer. Whether you’re hopping a plane for business or pleasure, experienced travelers know the secrets to minimize the effects of this sleepy-traveler syndrome. Generally, the recovery time for jet lag is one day per time zone crossed. Eastbound travelers, who are in essence “losing time,” will typically experience more severe cases.

To help combat this state of temporary sedation, here are some tips:

---

 

• Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Also, avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which both dehydrate the body even further.
• Begin preparing several days before takeoff by getting plenty of rest — starting out sleep deprived will only make the common symptoms of jet lag, such as disturbed sleep, irritability, headaches and irregularity worse.
• If you have an important meeting or event to attend, try to arrive at your destination a few days early to give your body ample time to adjust.
• Set your watch to the current time of your final destination prior to departure, and only sleep on the plane if it is nighttime at your final stop. If it’s daytime, try your best to resist the urge to sleep so that your body will take less time to adjust to your new sleeping pattern.
• Eat high-protein foods to help keep you alert; indulging in a lot of carbohydrates will probably only make you feel more sluggish and groggy (known to many as kanak-attack) upon landing.

 

---

 

 

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to Hawaii Business Magazine »