How To Cure Jet Lag - My Top 10 Tips
Jet lag, also called desynchronosis and flight fatigue, is a temporary disorder. The side effects can hit our bodies pretty hard, leading to extreme tiredness, indigestion, bathroom habit changes/bowel issues, loss of appetite, memory and general concentration issues. Jet lag effects can vary depending on our age, state of health and stress levels.
What can we do to help adjust to our new time zones and most importantly what can we do to control the effects of jet lag on our bodies?
Having flown many airlines and across a range of travel classes, sleep conditions do tend to vary depending on which airline we fly with and which direction around the world we are headed. Our bodies are better equipped to manage longer days than they are shorter ones, so the expression ‘West is Best’ really is true when it comes to jet lag. Another obvious difference to how the effects can feel on our bodies are the conditions around us, I am sure we all agree that those in Business Class probably got a fair bit more sleep than those in Economy Class… not sure if that is the flatbed or the Champagne!
Fear not, regardless of what class you fly here are my 'Top 10 Tips' on how to best fight jet lag –
1. Get plane spotting - You don’t have to be a plane-spotter to know that A350s and A380s are two of the best planes for anyone wondering how to beat jet lag. Hi-tech humidification systems help the air retain moisture and LED lighting systems capable of creating 16.7 million shades of colour simulate natural phases of the day, helping stave off jet lag. Another perk is an air purification system which renews the air every two minutes, unsure what aircraft your flights are on… ask your travel agent.
2. Try to get in some good ZZZ’s the night before you travel, this might sound obvious, but I too often fail on this one myself. Between finishing last minute work to washing and packing, I frequently find myself getting into bed at 3am with a taxi pick up due at 6am! Do as I say not as I do and your body with thank you.
If you need some pro packing tips check out my blog https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/lara.harris/Profile-Blog/TheArtofPackinglikeaPro
3. Break up your trip where possible. Indirect flights may seem like an unnecessary delay to your journey but not only are they kind on your wallet they can be a wonderful way of battling jetlag. Most major airports now have pre-bookable lounge and shower facilities, not to mention some incredible duty-free shopping! Want more from your airport… check out Singapore Changi airport http://www.changiairport.com/. Awarded best airport in the world for the 7th time this year! This £951m development comes complete with suspended trampoline, giant slide, indoor forest, hedge and mirror mazes, “foggy bowls” (a children’s park with mist clouds to chase) and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall!
4. ‘Happy hour somewhere in the world… right?’ Sadly, the correct advice here is to avoid that pre-flight tipple. Tempting as it is to start your well-earned trip with a pre (or inflight) G&T, it’s worth noting the effects of alcohol at altitude do significantly increase tiredness and cause dehydration, making it even harder to beat the inevitable jet lag.
5. Relax – I am the worst for trying to squeeze in extra work whilst onboard. My advice is always to get any work done as soon as you get on board, limit your time and stick to it, then close the laptop for the rest of the flight. The blue light, altitude and concentration don’t make for a restful flight, leaving you tired and cranky on arrival.
6. Avoid caffeine and head for the H20 – Artificial caffeine-based stimulants will affect your ability to sleep, leading to a longer jet lag recovery time. Your body functions best when it’s hydrated, so drink plenty of water, a member of cabin crew once told me this and it’s stuck with me. It really makes a difference and is a great way to offset the effects of jet lag on your body and skin… although it doesn’t make you so popular if you are sat in the window seat!
7. Avoid sleeping tablets – These are an artificial sleep aid and can leave you feeling fuzzy on arrival, not ideal when faced with a stack of questions and that scary looking guy at immigration! Bring your own herbal teabags and request hot water on board for a more natural sleep aid, I love the ‘Pukka, Natural Night time’ with oat flower and lavender.
8. Change your watch the minute you board, this will get your mind in line with the local time zone at your destination.
9. Don’t overeat – It’s easy to forget that you don’t need to eat every meal given to you onboard. It’s always a novelty to have a meal put in front of us that we haven’t had to cook right? Remember when your body is digesting it’s still very much awake. For the most rest I would recommend picking up a few of your own healthy snacks before boarding and limiting your main meals to when you are hungry, not just feeling peckish. Once you land do your best to eat and sleep in line with the local times. Our bodies keep moving even whilst we sleep, so don’t give them a reason to stay away. Eat little and often and try to align the main mealtimes… oh and don’t forget the water… lots of water!
10. The Placebo effect? On a Virgin Atlantic flight to LA recently I bought these ‘Liquid Oxygen Drops’ https://retailtherapyshopping.com/liquid-oxygen-drops? At around £15 they weren’t cheap, but I knew I had a lot of friends to catch up with when I landed, so I thought I would give them a try. I am not entirely sure if it was the placebo effect, but I was honestly so surprised at how these kept me going. Normally an LA flight will have me in bed by 7pm… not this time, dinner, drinks and a live music venue later I held out till a healthy midnight finish. Seriously impressive!
I also used these on my recent trip to Puerto Rico and again kept going, I have just run out but will most definitely be buying some more on my next flight. With a slightly salty flavour they aren’t amazing to taste but equally not offensive either. Ten drops directly under your tongue and away you go (can be added to water if you prefer).
For tips, advice or inspiration on planning your next adventure get in touch today, I’m available around the clock. #Misslarastravel