Jet Lag Cures

[trob09]

As someone who flies across time zones from Japan to the U.S. to the Middle East on a weekly basis (sometimes daily), I can tell you that the the tips above are about the best you can do.

You cannot completely mitigate the effects of jet-lag. It is truly a result of resetting your circadian rythym. That just takes time. But you can lessen those effects to some extent. Try the suggestions above, as well as this: limit what you eat on-board and during your flight day to a light snack. Include fruit if you can. And drink, drink, drink.....WATER.

P.S.---Take vitamins on a regularr basis. It does help!

Rob Davie

As someone who flies to Japan 10 - 12 times a year, the only thing I would add is to try to get on the schedule when you arrive...If you arrive in the mid afternoon, resist the urge to go right to bed. Stay up until 8:00pm, go out & have dinner and then have a good night sleep. If you hit the bed as soon as you hit the hotel, you'll only wake up that much earlier.

Tim

 

[justleesa]

The last time I flew from Europe to Hawaii ( 12 hour time difference) I had a nice long lay over of 16 hours in Chicago. Got a good nights sleep there and had 0 trouble getting used to Hawaii time.
As the others say, its going back east that sets your inner clock spinning. Took me 2 days to get back to normal ( well, kinda normal anyway)

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Thanks for all of the common sense stuff. Anybody have experience with Melatonin?

 

[mempilot]

Melatonin is basically a sleeping pill for all intensive purposes. It will induce a deep sleep, which is great for falling asleep at an odd time. I would beware the marketing of this for jet lag. This is not a jet lag preventative supplement, but more of a deal with it when you get there supplement. The methods posted above will lessen/eliminate the need for medication on the body.

I start a 'stand up' schedule of flying next month. My day becomes night, and my night becomes day for 4 days at a time. Then I go home, I have to switch back, or live like a vampire. We are not allowed to medicate to make the transition easier, so we have come up with ways to adjust our body clocks over a 12 hour period.

The best way that will have the least after effect on your body will be to ease into the time shift as you fly by alternating periods of short to moderate rest and activity, making the internal clock a little more flexible.

 

[Charlie99]

For an 8 or 9 hour time change what works for me is

1. No coffee or other caffeine for about 2 days before the flight.
2. Drink two or three cups of coffee around 1AM destination time just before taking the flight. Regular morning time origination time when flying west. Late afternoon local when flying east -- even when taking a late afternoon departure overnight flight.
3. Set your watch to destination time as soon as you reach the boarding area, then if possible, go onto destination time for all activities such as meals and sleeping. This means that you start your adjustment another 8 to 10 hours earlier than if you wait until arrival.
In particular, on an overnight flight, close your eyes and rest at the beginning of the flight (and at the gate, since it is already past bedtime at your destination). As you approach your destination, while most of your fellow passengers are finally going to sleep; get out a book, a crossword puzzle, or something that keeps you mentally active, since on destination time it is morning and you should be waking up.

-----------

There is an old paperback with a title something like "Overcoming Jet Lag". It has specific procedures for various amounts of east and west time zone changes, including things like eating heavy meals two days before, then light protein meals the day of the flight (or was it vice versa??). After using it for many, many flights, I gradually found out that I could skip most of the stuff, since the most important item for me was the withdrawal of caffeine, then timed use of coffee.

 

[simbrooks]

1. No coffee or other caffeine for about 2 days before the flight.
2. Drink two or three cups of coffee around 1AM destination time just before taking the flight. Regular morning time origination time when flying west. Late afternoon local when flying east -- even when taking a late afternoon departure overnight flight.
......
After using it for many, many flights, I gradually found out that I could skip most of the stuff, since the most important item for me was the withdrawal of caffeine, then timed use of coffee.

Any suggestions for those of us who dont drink anything caffinated? Particularly coffee or soda? I hardly touch soda, tea and hate coffee with a passion - so all this coffee/caffine talk might not apply to others. The eyes open and closed part as well as reading/getting yourself in tune with the coming time zone, etc is helpful though

 

[Charlie99]

Any suggestions for those of us who dont drink anything caffinated?

You could always binge on chocolate. It also has methylated xanthines.

 

[baltimoron]

Oh yes- another thing... Sunlight is key. Sometimes, upon arrival in Tel Aviv, I have to rent a car and drive four hours. I'll only do that in the sunlight, wouldn't risk it otherwise. I am sure this applies to any drive or just for travelling. Also, if you feel yourself dozing off on the road, listen to any radio station that is spoken word or any kind of music you absolutely despise. Stay away from both ends of the spectrum (ie: easy listening or electronica). Open all the windows.

Generally, I would stay away from caffeine. In my experience, it just makes you more alert as opposed to energized. I tired caffeine once, I was tired, miserable, and aware of every single thing going on around me which almost drove me barking mad.

Again, just my pennyworth.

 

[AlaskaDiver]

Mempilot has the right idea. No alcohol or soda. Hydrate with pure water and get off your duff by walking laps. I like to get up and talk to folks either nearby or in the back. I have met some very interesting people who are eager to tell of their adventures. It kills some time. I was on one plane where they even had an in-seat exercises. I turned around to see almost all of the plane was raising their arms at once. It was hilarious.

 

[CA Diver]

I have flown from LAX to Guam a number of times over the last few years. I definitely subscribe to teh do not sleep on the West bound trip. You will need to adjust for your actual flight times but the flights I have taken to Guam leave LAX in the morning and arrives in Guam about 5pm the next day (local time). The flight from Guam leaves about 8pm and arrives in Palau about 10pm. I would recommend sleeping a minimal amount on this leg. You shoiuld arrive in Palau tired and ready to sleep all night.

On the return leg try to adjust to the time zone you are travelling to. This could mean two red eyes on the same night (the wonders of the international date line). You will most likely still need time to adjust when getting home.

The best part of the whole ordeal awaits upon your arrival in Palau. The diving. It's as great as advertised!