Jet lag is a very real problem that saps you of your strength and alertness necessary in today’s fast moving, high pressure, world. If you fly long distance for business or pleasure, here are some proven methods to reduce the problems of jet lag and get you up to prime shape as quickly as possible.
1) Get into the new time zone as quickly as possible. Even before you leave on the trip, if possible. Stay awake and active during the new daytime, and sleep (or at least rest) during the new nighttime. Once you arrive, try to be in the sunlight to help you adjusts to the new daily rhythm.
2) Some experienced travelers recommend a small dose of Melatonin to help you sleep; I do not recommend any drugs. Wear eye covers while sleeping if the plane cabin is bright.
3) Avoid, or at least reduce your intake of, alcohol and stimulants like coffee and tea. You want your body to adjust to the new time zone, not be adjusted to it.
4) If you have a layover of 5 or more hours at an airport when the people in your new time zone are asleep, get a room at the airport or check into a hotel for some sleep. Some airports have beds available (CHANGi in Singapore for example) and many airports have hotels on the airport (Logan in Boston for example). A hot, brisk shower when you wake up will refresh you and help you adjust.
5) If possible, arrange your arrival time for late afternoon or early evening. Then by the time you check into your hotel and get unpacked, it is time to sleep so you will be fresh for the next day. When flying from San Francisco to Tokyo, I arrived at Narita about 3:30 p.m. and was checked into the hotel at about 6:00 p.m. After an hour relaxing, I was ready to sleep and the next morning I awoke ready for a full day.
6) Drink much more water than normal, for two reasons. The air on the airplane is dry and it will dehydrate your body, and it forces you to move around to get rid of it.
7) If possible, arrive a day before your business begins. It will give you one more day to adjust, and also to take care of contingencies such as delayed luggage, snafus at immigration or customs and to verify the proper room setup and equipment operation.
8) Tell yourself, with conviction and emotion, that you are no longer affected by jet lag – that is a thing of the past. If you think you will have problems, you will.
Please add your own favorite method to help reduce jet lag.
Bon Voyage!
Hugh Curley
Hugh Curley's Blog 