Jet lag, which is general exhaustion that accompanies long air travel, is typical in every flight regardless of the target destination. However, jet lag can be prevented once you formulate and adhere to a friendly sleeping schedule.

If you take up a flight that will take close to eight hours or so, you stand a chance of finding yourself staying awake up to late hours. If such happens, you find yourself sluggish and completely worn out the following day. Get to imagine you just landed in the US, and you have to proceed and attend a crucial conference and your there in a hotel completely worn out and in somnolence condition.

Where would you start? Flight travel and sleep is something that many people struggles to balance. In our article today, we enlighten you on how to prevent jet lag and sleep better after a long flight. Take time to have a look.

Why people develop jet lag

Jet lag develops after the body circadian rhythms become uncoordinated with the current new biological schedule of the new destination.

Jet lag usually occurs concurrently with to the distance traveled. Another big trigger to jet lag is a change of environment. This involves a state where you find yourself in external environmental factors that do not correspond to what you are using on.

 A good example of a change in environmental factors is time zone. If you live in the north, and during winter or summer, you take a flight to the south; you will be amazed to learn that the sunrise and set lately or sooner. This change in the phenomenon is likely to trigger jet lag.

Things to do before the flight that helps you avoid jet lag

1). Adjust your sleeping schedule before the flight

When you schedule a date for a flight, it is vital to consult widely on how long it will take before landing the destination. Once you have answers, you will perhaps need to proceed and know at what time you depart and time you reach your destination. This helps you to adjust with the time zone of your destination.

Experts recommend that the best way is to adjust your sleeping schedule with one hour per day with the time zone of your destination. If the target destination time zone is ahead than that of your place, you can take melatonin to help you sleep faster. After sleeping wake up and take the flight, you will find the time zone in your destination is already night. You can now sleep and wake up the following day fresh and ready to work. 

2). Adjust your eating schedule

How you eat before and when in flight has a significant effect on whether you will experience jet lag or not. After learning, the time zone differences it’s good to adjust your eating time to suit that of the target area. Adjusting eating schedule involves either moving your supper earlier or later.

3). Create a smart schedule

Even before you book your flight, have your mind prepared on how to avoid jet lag.

Depart time: If your flight takes long, always opt for a departure time that suits your sleeping schedule. If you can sleep while flying, go for an overnight flight so that you can sleep while flying. If you cannot sleep while flying, take up some sleep several hours before the flight. The second option would be to take up a flight that travels over the day so that you can get to your destination and have a rest.

Seat selection: Where you seat on a plane determines the comfort you enjoy while flying. It also acts to determine if you will be the position to sleep or not. If you intend to sleep while flying, select a seat next to the window so that you can lean against it. A seat close to the walking area most often has destruction from the passenger as they walk to the toilet or resting room.

Purpose of the rip: If you are traveling for an important event, you will need to prepare for the event thoroughly. Bring with you all important personal items, and most probably try to arrive one day ahead of the event. This serves to help your body adjust to the destination environment and time zone.  

During trip

1). Ensure you are comfortable

The more comfortable you are on the plane, the more chances you have to follow asleep a thing that helps you avoid jet lag after the flight. You will need to carry all times of clothing and perhaps change with change in the climate. Never overlook things. You can bring with you sleep masks, a mattress pillow to support you or earplugs so they can block you from any unnecessary distractions from a fellow passenger or the plane. Unless you are traveling overnight, you should avoid sleeping for long on the plane.

Things to do once you arrive

1). Take up a shower  

The first thing you do once you get into the hotel you intend to using while on a trip is to get yourself a bath. It helps relieve exhaustion that come about with long flights.

2). Stick to your new sleeping schedule

Once in your destination, avoid incorporating your sleeping time zone with the new zone. If it’s at night sleep like the rest. If your flight was redeye avoid napping or you can work with it for at least 2 hours, and you will be okay for work.

In conclusion, how you prepare yourself before during, and after arrival for long flights determine whether you will experience jet lag. Plan yourself accordingly and enjoy your next flight.