Unlocking the Secrets to Overcoming the Nightmare of Jet Lag

The gravest mistake you can make is plunging into sleep right after concluding your flight.

Unlocking the Secrets to Overcoming the Nightmare of Jet Lag

Jet lag is the syndrome of body disruption after long flights due to time zone differences. Your body is accustomed to the biological rhythms of your departure location, making it challenging to adapt to the new schedule at your destination in a short period. During this time, adjusting everything from sleep, hunger to blood pressure, and hormones becomes a time-consuming process.

While your brain regulates biological rhythms and responds to external signals like light and temperature, when traveling across multiple time zones, your body loses synchronization with external signals, causing a mix-up in your brain. To facilitate quick adjustment while preventing fatigue, consider the following:

Prepare Your Body Before the Flight

To start, prepare for your time zone leap and avoid the dreaded jet lag. Exposure to light, sleep, wake-up time, and even meals is crucial. For instance, if you're arriving in a country with a 9-hour difference, it can take your body up to 9 days to adjust. Update your phone's clock with the new time zone. Gradually adjust your sleep schedule and other activities to align with the new time zone.

Stay well-hydrated during your flight

Consuming alcohol and coffee can impact your sleep as you try to adjust to the new time zone. Instead, drink plenty of water, as the dry airplane air can lead to dehydration. Dehydration has similar negative effects to mental sluggishness and can exacerbate jet lag symptoms.

After landing, engage in activities according to the new time zone

The worst mistake upon landing is succumbing to your body clock and immediately diving into sleep. Instead, engage in activities according to the new time zone—go for a meal, do light exercises, or explore the new city. It might leave you tired, but it significantly reduces jet lag in the following days.

According to Thuy Duong/ Ngoi Sao

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour