Too Tired to Enjoy your Vacation? Don't Suffer!
Perhaps jet lag is the culprit. Crossing time zones while you travel is just one of the causes. Some advance knowledge and preparation can result in a more enjoyable trip.
Primary Causes of Jet Lag
Crossing two or more time zones: This is worse on eastbound flights because you have to adjust to an earlier schedule.
Lack of sleep before you travel.
Physical exhaustion from doing too much too quickly just before you leave.
Dehydration: Aircraft air is very dry. Drink plenty of water (not soda, coffee or tea). Some people take their own bottled water with them (if permitted by their airline).
Disruption of the body's normal wake/sleep schedule (circadian rhythm).
Alcohol consumption: Alcohol contributes to dehydration. At altitude, affects of alcohol are magnified several times.
Stale air: Aircraft air is not as oxygenated as outside air. It also contains odors and minute particles emanating from passengers, crew, luggage and the aircraft.
Inactivity and lack of exercise.
Climate change.
Possible Symptoms of Jet Lag
Slow reflexes - especially dangerous while driving
Sluggish thought processes - resulting in poor decisions
Sleep disturbances
Poor appetite
Headaches
Sinus irritation
Gastrointestinal upset caused by unfamiliar food and water
Fatigue
Anxiety
Disorientation
Irritability
Swollen extremities (especially feet and lower legs)
Sweating
Coping with Jet Lag
Acclimate yourself before you leave. If practical and possible, schedule your alarm clock and meals for the new time zone a day or two ahead of time.
Don't leave all your packing until the last minute.
Make sure you get a good night's sleep before your departure.
Choose appropriate flights so that you can arrive well in advance for activities like business meetings. Aim for daytime flying (in both directions).
Set your watch to the new time zone as soon as you board the plane.
Stay on schedule with medications.
Drink plenty of bottled (not local) water.
Avoid salad or foods that may have been rinsed in local water. This will help to prevent diarrhea - which can contribute to dehydration.
Get up and move around instead of sitting in your seat for long periods of time.
Wear shoes a half size larger to accommodate swelling feet.
Once you arrive, don't spend all day cooped up indoors. Get out in the sun and fresh air.
Take a hot shower before going to bed. This helps to retune your body's circadian temperature rhythm. The drop in temperature after you get out of the shower will make you start to feel drowsy.
Schedule appointments when you are most likely to be rested.
Everybody is Different
Recovery time, as a rule of thumb, takes about one day per time zone crossed.
Some people are more adaptable than others and exhibit very few jet lag symptoms. Children almost always fare better than adults.
The more 'laid back' you are about schedules and daily routines, the more likely you are to cope well with jet lag.
With a little advance planning, your next plane trip could be the best ever!
©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.
Related Tags: fear, travel, flight, flights, airline, symptoms, causes, coping, cope, flying, prevention, airlines, tiredness, tired, air, airplane, exhaustion, aircraft, airplanes, preventing, treating, schedules, jet, lag, aircrafts
Over 1000 travel tips are posted at 1000+ Travel Tips - including many relating to air travel. 111 Travel Directory also has hostels, travel resources, and articles available. Adult Escapes is the site to visit if you are planning a romantic getaway without the kids.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Going Somewhere? Make Sure You Pick Up Travelers Insurance
If the traveler in you wants to explore some new paths, you will want to make sure you have all your - Shopping And Dining In Munich
I could feel my brains bursting with the stress of business meeting and really needed to have some f - The Oktoberfest In Munich
Of all the destinations to which tourists strive to get airline tickets Munich is outstanding in Oct - The Sights Of Munich
Although I have been to Munich many times, I have not ceased to be amazed at its culture and archite - Touch The Mittelland Of Switzerland
Easily the most fertile swathe of land in the country, it is also the wealthiest and has the largest - Zurich's Attractive Landmarks
Education is also another major feature of Zurich as it is also a center of learning excellence give - Cheap Airline Tickets Are Nowadays Commonly Available
Cheap airline ticket are nowadays commonly available as there are deals that are being announced con - Gold Scrap And Where To Sell It
The optimal jewellery to trade in this way are the ones that possess zero resale value as jewelry, l - The Elegant Araku Valley
Araku Valley, a hill station has become an attractive tourist destination spot. Located in the Visha - India Travel Information Making Your Visit Memorable One
Being the largest democratic country in this planet India seeks the attraction of many people each a
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Travel in Polen - Free Travel Guide of Krakow by Flashbooking Website
Krakow is one of the oldest and largest cities of Poland. This historic city is situated on the Vist - Fall Travel Highlights
Fall's changing leaves, with their stunning reds, oranges, and purples, both herald the end of summe - ARTEH Hotels And The 50th Anniversary Tall Ships' Races - 2006
The Luxury Independent Hotel Chain ARTEH – Hotels and Resorts presents a unique selection of h - Travel in Italy: Free Travel Guide of Milan by Flashbooking for Backpackers and Families
Milan, a northern Italian city, stands in the centre of the large Lombardy plain, between the the Po - Save Money on Gas with Multiple Credit Cards
If you’re serious about saving money on gas, consider using more than one credit card. You can - How To Shop For Food On Holiday In Italy
So you've booked a self-catering holiday in Italy on a farm in Tuscany or by a beach in Liguria? Enj - Travel in Austria: Free Travel Guide of Vienna by Flashbooking for Backpakers
Vienna, Austria's capital city, has 1,533,000 inhabitants and stands on the right bank of the Danube - Volunteer Vacations: A Great Way to Contribute to a Favorite Cause
Imagine working with a group of new friends, like-minded individuals from every region of the world - Caravan Holidays - Travel and Freedom
If you like to travel but you like even more the feeling of freedom, the solution is obvious: a cara - Exploring The Ruins Of Tulum
While Cancun is home to beautiful hotels, resorts and numerous attractions, the area surrounding th