Jet lag is unavoidable for long distance travelers. However, we can prepare ourselves for what is inevitable beforehand and look at how to reduce the effects of Jet lag upon arrival to our destinations.

Suppose you leave Paris at noon which is about 7.00 am in New York. Upon arrival to New York, your body will feel like it is getting ready to go to bed all the while New Yorkers are having their lunch. Could you have an 8.00 pm appointment then you will have trouble keeping your eyes open & also yawn profusely as your body is still following a Paris routine. Since Paris & New York is 5 time-zones apart then it will be five days (According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 1 day per 1 hour time-zone estimate) before your bodily functions adjusts it self to the days & nights of New York.

Preparing For Jet lag

The People’s Medical Manual suggests an eating pattern regiment found to be effective in reducing Jet lag. It is done by altering eating patterns before & during a jet flight. The practice can help reduce the fatiguing disturbance of body rhythm that is commonly suffered by long distance travelers.

Below is the recommended regiment for travelers on jet flights heading east:

• Eat three full meals three days before the flight.

• Eat three low calorie & low carbohydrate meals two days before the flight.

• Repeat the first step one day before the flight.

• Repeat the second step on the day of the flight.

• During the flight, drink coffee or tea without milk or sugar, refrain from drinking alcohol, pack the meal into your hand luggage instead of eating it, try to sleep, & eat a high protein breakfast.

Do the same for jet flights traveling west. The only difference being that we are advised to refrain from drinking lots of coffee or tea after noon. However, we are recommended to do so earlier on the flight day.

Reducing Jet Lag

Schedule a night flight when flying eastwards so you can get some sleep on board of the flight. Take some sleeping pills when necessary to help induce sleep. When you wake up your bodily functions will be adequately synchronized with the activities at your destination. In the event your flight leaves New York at 11.00 pm then you will arrive at 11.00 am Paris.

On the contrary, schedule a flight to leave Paris at 9.00 or 10.00 am. You should get a good night’s sleep before the morning flight & arrive in New York around noon. Below is a list of suggestions to reduce the effects of Jet lag:

• Adjust your sleeping schedule a few days before your departure. Sleep one hour earlier for your travels going east; an hour later for westward flights.

• Do some light exercises before going to bed.

• Eat & sleep on a regular schedule without deviation.

• Get some sleep as soon as possible upon arrival to a destination.

• Refrain from working immediately upon arrival.

• Simplify your schedule for the first few days so as not to strain your already disrupted bodily functions.

It is a benefit for us to equip ourselves with the above knowledge regarding Jet lag. Now, we can be even more ready & confident to enjoy a wonderful holiday trip at far away destinations. Bon Voyage!

Abas Kamal bin Sulaiman
http://abassterinternational.blogspot.com