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Summer airline travel means coping with jet lag

July 22, 2008

With summer come plans for travel, including flying long distances.

For many travelers, that means jet lag. People who cross several time zones usually find that ambient light and other environmental cues can make their internal clocks go haywire. They have trouble sleeping, and when they do get sleep, it's shallow and fitful. Other jet lag symptoms include fatigue, irritability, nausea, trouble concentrating, headache and upset stomach.

In general, it takes a day to adjust for every time zone you've crossed, although the older you are, the longer the adjustment probably will take. Eastward travel, which shortens your arrival day, is more troublesome than flights west, which provide extra hours to catch up. On trips that involve crossing only one or two zones, you may be able to wake up, eat and sleep on home time.

There's no sure way to avoid jet lag entirely, but you may be able to reduce its effects and duration.

AVOIDING JET LAG



1 Start to shift before the trip. Gradually move mealtimes and bedtime closer to the schedule of your destination.



2 Keep well hydrated. Mild dehydration is common when traveling by air - and being dehydrated worsens the physical symptoms of jet lag. So drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your flight. But avoid caffeine and alcohol.



3 Switch as rapidly as possible. If you'll be staying more than a day or two, adjust your sleeping and eating schedule to the new time zone as soon as you arrive (adjust your wristwatch on the plane).

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