Jet lag remedies that actually work!

Adapting to your new time zone before departing could very well tip the scales in your favour when you actually reach your destination. According to Steven Brass, a California-based neurologist, ‘For every time zone change, it takes on average one day to adapt.’ 

By this measure, you will have to adjust your schedule to the destination several days before departure. Yes, it is challenging. But if you know you’ll be three hours ahead, start three days before. That means slightly shifting the time you go to bed, the time you wake up, and mealtime, if possible.

Take it from us; staying hydrated is probably the best way to beat jet lag. We are not saying it is the only way, but it definitely works well in reducing the severity of jet lag.

So, make a mental note to bring your reusable water bottle & hydrate constantly. Flying and travelling, in general, will dehydrate you, and when that happens, you become cranky, tired, irritated and hungry. 

Drinking water before you travel, during travel, and when you arrive will help you feel more energetic, sleep better, and eat less.

There is no better jet lag supplement than melatonin. According to several neurologists, you can take as little as 0.5 milligrams of melatonin at bedtime, and it will, quite possibly, work wonders. 

This does not happen to be the definite rule, though. You can also consider taking one to three milligrams for the first three nights in a new destination. 

If you do, take it 30 minutes before bedtime for the best sleep.

Say it with folks. ‘Alcohol puts you to sleep, but it will not help you stay asleep.’ 

Therefore, it is a solid take that you should cut back on the number of drinks, at least until you are out of the woods. 

In this case, the metaphorical “woods” would be the flight, so what I’m saying is – don’t even think of touching that bottle until you’ve landed. Nobody wants to fly halfway across the world and feel hopelessly plagued by jet lag.

A good dose of sunshine is a great way to adjust your circadian rhythms. So, don’t underestimate what a good walk in the park can do for you just yet! 

Anyways, here’s a piece of information you’ll find helpful: If you’re going east, across fewer than six time zones, you will have to expose yourself to morning light at the destination. And when you’re going west, across fewer than six time zones, you’ll need the afternoon light exposure— which means you’ll have to hang out outside; as much as possible!

Not getting up from your seat during your flight takes a toll on you. Sure, you need to get some sleep and adjust to the time zone, but moving around in-flight during waking hours is a good idea.

The science behind this is that the less you move, the less blood flows, meaning you will feel lethargic when you finally land.

Well, not really. However, eating light does tremendously help. The menu might look like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but a heavy dinner can make things difficult when you are trying to get that much-needed snooze.

The best solution to this predicament is arranging a hearty breakfast and lunch, leaving dinner as light as a feather. Take it from us; you do not want to be tossing and turning after a heavy meal when every minute of your sleep counts.

That is right, do not even think of skipping the gym. Personally, I think this is one of the best ways to wear off any fatigue or jet lag left in your body. 

So, consider stopping by the gym when you land or going for a run – it is a great way to sightsee and stop your jet lag in its tracks. Talk about a double win, right?

Plus, if you have a routine that you used to follow back at home – let’s say exercising at 8 AM – try to follow that up at your new location as well. Mimicking the same routine helps keep things in check.

Jet lag usually wears off in about two to four days; if you still feel like a crumpled-up piece of paper, consider it an arrowhead leading to the hospital. The faster, the better – might I also add. The sooner you pass the usual cut off day – it is wise to get help from a doctor. After all, you can’t miss out on what is probably the best time of your life just because of a temporary sleep problem!