Summer is the time everyone is waiting for, to get away from routine and enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
We may have everything planned: the tickets, the suitcase, the accommodation, the scheduled visits… but what about Jet Lag?
Jet Lag, also known as transoceanic syndrome or jet lag disorder, occurs especially when traveling long distances, across different time zones. This produces an imbalance between the traveler’s internal clock (which marks sleep periods) and the new time at the destination.
What symptoms can Jet Lag cause?
- General tiredness or fatigue.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
- Sleep disturbance: insomnia or drowsiness.
- Digestive problems.
- Difficulty concentrating.
We can follow the following tips to prevent these symptoms which, although temporary, can have an impact on the comfort of our vacation or our return to routine:
- Rest
Before traveling it is important to get enough sleep and be rested, so that the body can recover more easily. We must also try to get used to the new schedule, so if we are traveling east, it is advisable to go to bed earlier than usual the days before. On the other hand, if we are traveling west, it is preferable to stay up later than usual.
- Clock
Change the time on your watch to the time at your destination before your trip. This way you can start to prepare yourself for the change.
- Organize your flight well
On long trips it is preferable to make a stopover, so that the body has more time to adapt to the new routine. It is also advisable to take a daytime flight to your destination, which will help you to be more eager to stay awake and fit into the schedule at your destination.
- Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water helps you recover faster. When flying, the dry environment and high altitude cause the body to consume a lot of fluids, so it is important to stay hydrated. Soft drinks, alcohol and coffee are not recommended.
- Getting out of the seat
During a flight we can suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to the altitude. DVT is the formation of a thrombus caused by slow blood circulation and can lead to serious illness. This can be prevented simply by some movement, getting out of the seat and taking a short walk down the aisle of the plane. Stretching the legs will help relieve tension and oxygenate the blood supply.
- Meals
Once in the new time zone, it is recommended to start eating three meals a day, synchronized with the local time.
- Sun
It is advisable to be outdoors as much as possible. This is because the cycle of light and dark is an important factor for humans.
- Exercise
Moving and performing physical activities serves to trigger endorphins and make us feel better. Stretching our muscles will get rid of the stiffness caused by a long flight.
- Sleep
Try to get the same amount of sleep as you normally would. If you need a little extra rest, a nap can help.