Traveling: Dealing with jet lag

What is jet lag?
Jet lag, is a term that is used to describe the fuzzy, out of sorts feeling that often follows a long flight, particularly when the traveler has passed through a different time zone. Jet lag can often leave you feeling, drowsy, irritable, bad headaches and can affect your performance if you have to take part in any sports or even a business meeting up to a number of hours after landing.

What causes jet lag?

Cabin pressure
Lack of humidity
Being run down
Lack of sleep before your flight
Alcohol
Traveling through time zone
Dehydration
Lack of movement

Symptoms of jet lag

Fatigue; being worn out and tired for days after arriving, generally accompanied by a lack of concentration and motivation.
Out of sorts for your character such as; irrational, unreasonable and bad tempered.
Broken sleep after arrival: Passing through any time zone will knock you off course especially if you have been flying for a number of hours. You may find yourself waking up in the middle of the night and sleeping earlier in the evening. It may take a few days to get back on track.
Aching muscles for days after your flight.

Reducing jet lag
Although jet lag can not be cured there are a few things that you can do yourself to reduce the symptoms. Here are some tips to help you before, during and after your flight.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine just before and during your flight.
Reset your watch to the time zone that you are traveling to.
Create as dark an environment on the plane as possible.
Use eyeshades and ear plugs to help block out the in flight distractions and convince your body that it is dark.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Get plenty of rest before your flight.
Sleep during the flight if you can.
Walk around, massage your lower legs and ankles, stand for about 10 minutes at a time.
Drink plenty of water.

If you arrive in the morning plan to stay awake. If possible try to wait until the local bedtime to sleep. You will sleep better and will be less likely to suffer insomnia than if you take a nap upon arriving.

When you arrive back home don`t go straight back to work take at least a day off to get plenty of rest.