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#1 2005-06-08 04:28:46

Sarah
Administrator

How to overcome Jetlag

How to overcome Jetlag

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.


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Sarah Moore - Travel J

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#2 2005-06-17 21:17:40

travella
New member

Re: How to overcome Jetlag

Has anyone tried the Jet Lag Calculator - It's GREAT!

Visit here: http://www.bodyclock.com/

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#3 2005-06-19 00:59:42

Sarah
Administrator

Re: How to overcome Jetlag

travella wrote:

Has anyone tried the Jet Lag Calculator - It's GREAT!

Visit here: http://www.bodyclock.com/

Great tool indeed


Sarah Moore - Travel J

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#4 2005-06-20 05:30:38

neemia
Member

Re: How to overcome Jetlag

wow kinda cooool! Bookmarked this one.

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#5 2005-06-25 20:01:25

Sarah
Administrator

Re: How to overcome Jetlag

I'm going to make this the tool of the week smile


Sarah Moore - Travel J

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#6 2005-06-28 05:13:51

neemia
Member

Re: How to overcome Jetlag

Sarah wrote:

I'm going to make this the tool of the week smile

Where isthe link for that? (sorry if i'm blind)

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#7 2005-06-28 08:29:42

Sarah
Administrator

Re: How to overcome Jetlag

neemia wrote:

Sarah wrote:

I'm going to make this the tool of the week smile

Where isthe link for that? (sorry if i'm blind)

My apologies. The link got deleted when we updated the resources section.

You can find it at this URL: http://www.travelj.com/tools.html


Sarah Moore - Travel J

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