Jetlag seems to be every traveler's worst nightmare ? especially if you're going away for just a short while.
What causes Jetlag?
Jetlag is a condition that arises from crossing multiple time zones in a relatively short time and consequently disturbs your natural body clock or circadian rhythms. Other contributing factors include lack of exercise, dry atmosphere and alcohol.
What are the symptoms of Jetlag?
Arriving at your destination feeling tried, groggy and disorientated are the most common symptoms. Many people also find it difficult to concentrate and have very erratic sleep patterns. Waking up in the middle of the night or feeling a need to take nap during the day can be frequent.
Because of the dry atmosphere aboard aircraft, Dehydration can also be a major problem.
How long do the symptoms last for?
Jetlag symptoms can last for just a few hours ? all the way up to a week (for more acute cases). Generally though, travelers find on a normal flight between the US and Europe, the effects of Jetlag last for a couple of days. As a guide, for every time zone you cross, allow for a full day of recovery. Symptoms also vary by age. Children are far less susceptible.
How can Jetlag symptoms be reduced?
Before you depart, make sure that you get plenty of sleep. Eat well and avoid alcohol. Allow for plenty of time before departure. Stress is one of the worst culprits. Also, try taking some zinc supplements as it's been proven that people with higher zinc levels tend to suffer less.
While traveling, drink plenty of water. Stay away from alcohol, fizzy drinks and coffee. These drinks only exacerbate jetlag causing dehydration, tiredness and headaches. Drink plenty of water. Chamomile tea is very calming. Eat Lightly. The last thing your body needs it to digest a large meal. Exercise - "Economy Class Syndrome" is caused from inactivity or sitting in the same position for an extended time. When the time permits, get up and walk around the aircraft.
Specific exercises and stretching techniques can be accessed through:
http://www.airnz.co.nz/resources/inflight_exercises.pdf
Try and get some sleep. Sleeping onboard will not only help to pass the time, but can help you feel refreshed upon arrival. A travel neck pillow will assist in your sleeping, providing excellent head support. Avoid sleeping pills at all costs.
When you arrive, getting a quick nap will seem very attractive indeed ? but resist this temptation. Go to bed at your normal bedtime (based on local time). This will force your body to adjust to any new time zones far quicker.
Article by Travel J - Traveler's Resources & Information - http://www.travelj.com
Sarah Moore has been in the travel and tourism industry for over 20 years and is currently working with one of the worlds largest coach networks. Sarah is also the webmaster of TravelJ - A Traveler's Resources & Information Network - http://www.travelj.com




Business scholars and students throughout recent periods have studied the fascinating business model of franchising.... Read More
If you or a family member has been the victim of an airplane accident, you... Read More
Do you know that some people travel around the country and abroad, for both business... Read More
Change is a constant, Outsourcing Jobs, Capital flows, Emerging Markets are a given and this... Read More
Why did the young man near Tampa, FL fly a little private aircraft into the... Read More
One of the major perks of being a celebrity is the free stuff. Just ask... Read More
You want a fighter jet as your personal aircraft; do not deny it. You want... Read More
Much work is being done and the USAF has implemented systems to fly UAVs Unmanned... Read More
I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic to write about. In fact,... Read More
Some new materials, types of plastics seem to be stronger than steel by quite a... Read More
Probably one of the coolest experimental aircraft twin-engine aircraft is... Read More
Knowing where to find really cheap airline tickets is the... Read More
It now looks certain that Hurricane Katrina will push fuel... Read More
Pay. You know that aviation pays better than commercial, in... Read More
Here are some thoughts on the study of the theory... Read More
The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed,... Read More
In conclusion of this young man who crashed a single... Read More
So you love airplanes and you want to start an... Read More
One of the big pushes in aviation and military is... Read More
I propose building a mechanical manta ray as a Underwater... Read More
Boeing it is said took a big gamble in predicting... Read More
The Aerial Fire Fighting Industry uses a system called AFF... Read More
Every aircraft is a compromise. It is either built to... Read More
Anti jet lag diets have been around for some time... Read More
Introduction:It might come as a chock to many people, including... Read More
Here's a good tip to help cut the cost of... Read More
I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic... Read More
The A-380 has beat out the Boeing 747 as a... Read More
Change is a constant, Outsourcing Jobs, Capital flows, Emerging Markets... Read More
Jet lag is a common sleep disorder suffered by many... Read More
How can we keep aircraft and UAVs aloft longer and... Read More
It appears Mexico with its 120 million population is considering... Read More
Flying is fun. I learned to fly myself when I... Read More
The vertical lift technology of helicopters has far more utilitarian... Read More
So far we have learned the safety aspect of setting... Read More
Aviation & Flying |