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12:00 AM 8th October 2024
travel

Beat Jet Lag With Time Zone Sleep Trick

 
Image: Kevin Andrew on www.unsplash.com
Image: Kevin Andrew on www.unsplash.com
Jet lag can be the downside of flying high, particularly on long-haul, and is an inevitable consequence of international air travel: the further you fly, the worse it gets.

It can impair cognitive functions, interfere with metabolic cycles, and ruin sleep patterns.

However, while there is no silver bullet to zap jet jag, there is a lot you can do to diminish its effects.

Surprisingly, many of them can be done while in flight. An expert shares how.

Don’t Force It
Dawn Morwood from Cheap Deals Away said: “Some people just take jet lag on the chin and tough it out. But, my top-tip is to adjust your circadian rhythms, your body's internal clock, gradually.

"You can do this by basically leaving your metabolism where it is. You stay on home time for as long as you can – certainly on the plane, then adjust."

Here’s how to implement the time zone sleep trick:

1.Stay on Home Time: “In the case of a longer trip, you should try to adjust your internal clock gradually, rather than forcing yourself to be awake when you would normally be asleep and vice-versa," explains Dawn.
2.Sleep Strategically: "One way to let yourself adjust more gradually is to sleep on the plane when you would be asleep at home," Dawn advises.
Image: Logan Weaver on www.unsplash.com or @LGNWVR
Image: Logan Weaver on www.unsplash.com or @LGNWVR
3.Choose Your Seat Wisely: "To sleep on the plane while flying economy, you're better off in a window seat," she says. "You only have a person who may disturb you on one side, you don't have to move for others to use the bathroom, and you can rest your head against the plane wall."
4.Utilise Natural Light: A window seat also gives you access to natural light, which impacts your biorhythms. "So, in a window seat you both rest better and let sunlight rouse you when you need it to," advises Dawn.

Proactive Sleep Adjustment
To maximise the effectiveness of this strategy, Dawn suggests: "If you're flying through a lot of time zones – maybe to the Far East or Australia – you can also start trying to match your sleep patterns with those at your far-off destination before you leave," advises Dawn.

"That way you'll really lessen the impact of the adjustment you'll have to make when you land."
Combine this with sleeping on the plane in a well-chosen seat – perhaps an emergency door seat if you’re tall.

Other Anti-Jet lag Hacks:
Accessorise: Sleep mask, earplugs, and comfortable clothes all help with sleeping on the plane
De-stress: Anxiety can stop you sleeping and resting, and will exacerbate symptoms of jet lag. Try to relax if you can
Don’t over-schedule Take it easy on your first days at your destination
Cut alcohol out: Alcohol impairs sleep quality – avoid it before and en-route
Drink less caffeine: Caffeine can boost short term alertness, but it will deny you the sleep time in the air that can help you beat the jetlag
Stay hydrated: Airplane cabins can cause dehydration. Sip water regularly
Healthy diet: Bad or excessive food can make jet lag feel worse, so opt for light, healthy meals
Stretch: Stand up and move around often to prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Content: www.cheapdealsaway.com