Managing Jet Lag

As anyone who has flown through several time zones will attest, jet travel can put a real damper on any trip. It can throw your body's internal clock out of synch causing fatigue, insomnia, disorientation and headaches. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the effects.

If at all possible, schedule eastbound flights in the morning. An a.m. flight will get you to your destination while it's still daylight. This allows your internal clock to adjust more quickly.

Schedule westbound flights at night. An evening flight simply extends your usual 24-hour day.

While In Flight

• Make yourself comfortable. For long flights, dress comfortably in natural fiber clothing when possible, and consider bringing a neck pillow, eye shades, ear plugs and slipper socks.
• Prepare yourself mentally by setting your watch to destination's local time.
• Drink plenty of water or fruit juice to avoid dehydration. Caffeinated or carbonated beverages and alcohol dehydrate your body and should be consumed in moderation.
• Eat and sleep in keeping with the local time of your destination.
• On overnight flights, keep an eye on your valuables. When you go to the lavatory, take your purse with you.

Upon your arrival

• Help yourself get readjusted by fighting the urge to nap during daylight hours. Instead, take a shower, take a walk, go exploring or plan an activity that gets you up and around. Most helpful is the timing of your eating and sleeping patterns to those of your new destination.

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