Jet lag: What to do when your body clock malfunctions after a long travel

So, all is set for that long-distance trip you’ve been looking forward to. But apart from the stress of checking-in, security checks and the sheer torture of being stuck in a confined space for so long, you are secretly dreading the jet lag that will hit once you arrive at your destination. Although temporary, there are things you can do to avoid losing a precious day or two to jet lag.

What is jet lag?

Jet lag is the disruption of your body’s 24-hour internal clock - known as your circadian rhythm - when you travel through different time zones. The phenomenon can mess with your sleep pattern, causing symptoms of fatigue, disorientation and low energy for a couple of days or even weeks after a flight.

Jet lag can throw off your plans whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. It generally occurs when a person travels east or west across three or more time zones.

Although temporary, jet lag can interfere with your day in many ways by causing:

• Tiredness
• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Upset stomach
• Irritability

Apart from the difference in time zones, jet lag can be brought on by sleeping too much or too little on the plane, too much sunlight in the plane’s cabin or excessive screen time, stress and use of alcohol or caffeine.

Be prepared!

Granted, these conditions are, at worse, mere inconveniences, but may affect your wellbeing. Knowing about and preparing for it, can help reduce its impact on your health. Here are some preparation tips:

• Try to catch some sleep on the plane, not more than usual though. Take along earplugs and eye masks to block out noise and light
• If you’re arriving at your destination while it's nighttime there, try to stay awake for a few hours before you land.
• Be strategic in picking flight times that will allow you to arrive in the early evening. This way, staying up until it’s time for bed in your new time zone isn’t as hard.
• Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption prior to and while on the plane.

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