Tips on Getting Over Jet Lag
- Stretching increases blood flow and circulation during long flights, helping minimize the effects of jet lag.airplane image by Grigoriev Vitalii from Fotolia.com
The "travel hangover," or jet lag, can produce a raging headache, sour stomach, restlessness and the overall feeling that crawling into a fetal position and sleeping it off is the only viable solution. While there's no official cure, travelers can minimize jet lag by trying out some different remedies. - Another way to combat jet lag? Drink lots of water before and during your trip.Empty airplane seats image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
Prepare your body by getting extra sleep a few days before your trip. Crossing over time zones messes with your internal clock and brings on that groggy feeling you're trying to combat. Bring a travel pillow, fleece blanket, soft socks or other comforts from home. If a whiff of lavender or a book on tape eases the stress of travel, then use it to help you transition to your next location.
Avoid drinking alcohol in the terminal and on the airplane, or limit your intake to one glass. Instead of producing the desired relaxed effect, it makes it harder for the body to adjust to a new time zone. Try drinking more water before and during your trip.
Once you arrive at your new destination explore your new surroundings. The sunlight will help reset your body's clock and exercise will feel good. Also, while trying to stay awake, consider getting a massage, joining a walking tour and head to public places for interaction. - Crossing over time zones upsets our body's clock, encouraging jet lag.black magnifier on world map with time zones image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
Arnica Montana is a homeopathic solution to jet lag. It's also known as Mountain Tobacco, Leopard or Wolf's Bane and Sneezewort. It helps soothe sore joints and muscles and is used in a diluted form in jet lag pills.
Chamomilla, found in chamomile tea, helps ease emotional stress and soothe frayed nerves. Ask your doctor before taking any medication, even homeopathic ones. There are side effects to taking natural pills if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or are on other medication. - Avoid alcohol on longer flights to help your body adjust faster to time zones.alcoholic beverage image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
Despite conflicting studies in the 1990s, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information melatonin can help reduce jet lag symptoms. Melatonin is a pineal hormone that helps reset the body's rhythm. Thanks to medical testing, adults who were given between 0.5 to 5 mg of melatonin had positive results and decreased symptoms of jet lag. According to The Cochrane Collaborative, Cochrane.org, once travelers have reached their destination, they should take melatonin at night when they're getting ready for bed.
