Dealing with jet lag
Besides the possible unknown factor of the food quality during your trip, what is the worst thing about trans-time-zone travel? The Jet Lag. Let's face it, no one likes feeling all groggy and gross after a long plane ride, and have to sleep at odd hours for a few days of a vacation because of a need to adjust to the whole hour difference situation. It stinks and it's probably one of the worst parts of a vacation.
But what actually is jet lag? In order to find out how to deal with it, we need to know what it is. According to Miriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, jet lag is
"a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and prob. results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body called also jet fatigue."
The next question is what causes jet lag?
Jet lag is often caused by inter-time-zone travel, and generally going East is the worse than going West. Those who are used to change in their daily schedules, as well as children, are less susceptible to jet lag caused by this phenomenon.
Believe it or not, your condition before you fly is also a contributor to jet lag. If you are stressed, excited, sleepy, or even hungover before your flight, you are more likely to get jet lag as well. The best way to avoid that: Get plenty of rest and sleep before you travel. Your body will thank you for it.
For those who live in humid areas, another cause of jet lag is dry atmosphere. Dry atmosphere can also be irritating, period, not just a cause for jet lag. However, dry atmosphere in airplane cabins are a factor when it comes to jet lag. It can cause coughs, sore throat, or even the flu. The key to avoiding this is drinking plenty of water, or keeping water with you. This is tough what with the regulations for carry on fluids in the airline industry at the moment, but bring a few bottles of water on long flights to ensure that you're properly hydrated.
Alcohol and caffeine are a major source of jet lag! It's true! The effect of one glass of wine during flight at say... 30,000 feet has the same effect on your body as 2-3 glasses on the ground. Not only that, but alcohol and caffeine both dehydrate the body, which may lead to water retention swelling and whatnot. It's uncomfortable and it will be a sour start to your vacation.
Lack of exercise is another factor in jet lag. It's also one of the worst aspects of flying, especially on loooooong flights. If you have the opportunity and there's not a whole lot of turbulence, take a walk up and down the aisle, or stretch. It feels good, gets blood flowing, and eases some of your jet lag in the long run.
How can we deal with jet lag?
Firstly, make sure everything is all set before your trip. This way no bad surprises will make you all stressed out, and are not overly excited or tired. It is also a good idea to not go out drinking the night before, so you are not stuck with a hangover. If you must drink something, drink water and plenty of it. It's also alright to drink juice, but water is much more hydrating and preferable to your body's needs.
If it's an overnight flight you're going on, bring a blindfold or neckrests, and kick off your shoes to ease pressure on your feet so you can get a little rest during your flight. Some airlines provide sock like slippers, too. Another way to ease up on pressure on your legs and feet in a cramped space is exercise! If it's possible (i.e. no turbulence or something like that) take a walk up and down the aisle a few times. It will help with bloodflow and ease pressure in your legs.
Keep all this in mind the next time you do a trans-zone flight, and hopefully you'll find that your jet lag will diminish, letting you enjoy your trip more.
Happy times and clear skies!
But what actually is jet lag? In order to find out how to deal with it, we need to know what it is. According to Miriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, jet lag is
"a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and prob. results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body called also jet fatigue."
The next question is what causes jet lag?
Jet lag is often caused by inter-time-zone travel, and generally going East is the worse than going West. Those who are used to change in their daily schedules, as well as children, are less susceptible to jet lag caused by this phenomenon.
Believe it or not, your condition before you fly is also a contributor to jet lag. If you are stressed, excited, sleepy, or even hungover before your flight, you are more likely to get jet lag as well. The best way to avoid that: Get plenty of rest and sleep before you travel. Your body will thank you for it.
For those who live in humid areas, another cause of jet lag is dry atmosphere. Dry atmosphere can also be irritating, period, not just a cause for jet lag. However, dry atmosphere in airplane cabins are a factor when it comes to jet lag. It can cause coughs, sore throat, or even the flu. The key to avoiding this is drinking plenty of water, or keeping water with you. This is tough what with the regulations for carry on fluids in the airline industry at the moment, but bring a few bottles of water on long flights to ensure that you're properly hydrated.
Alcohol and caffeine are a major source of jet lag! It's true! The effect of one glass of wine during flight at say... 30,000 feet has the same effect on your body as 2-3 glasses on the ground. Not only that, but alcohol and caffeine both dehydrate the body, which may lead to water retention swelling and whatnot. It's uncomfortable and it will be a sour start to your vacation.
Lack of exercise is another factor in jet lag. It's also one of the worst aspects of flying, especially on loooooong flights. If you have the opportunity and there's not a whole lot of turbulence, take a walk up and down the aisle, or stretch. It feels good, gets blood flowing, and eases some of your jet lag in the long run.
How can we deal with jet lag?
Firstly, make sure everything is all set before your trip. This way no bad surprises will make you all stressed out, and are not overly excited or tired. It is also a good idea to not go out drinking the night before, so you are not stuck with a hangover. If you must drink something, drink water and plenty of it. It's also alright to drink juice, but water is much more hydrating and preferable to your body's needs.
If it's an overnight flight you're going on, bring a blindfold or neckrests, and kick off your shoes to ease pressure on your feet so you can get a little rest during your flight. Some airlines provide sock like slippers, too. Another way to ease up on pressure on your legs and feet in a cramped space is exercise! If it's possible (i.e. no turbulence or something like that) take a walk up and down the aisle a few times. It will help with bloodflow and ease pressure in your legs.
Keep all this in mind the next time you do a trans-zone flight, and hopefully you'll find that your jet lag will diminish, letting you enjoy your trip more.
Happy times and clear skies!
