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Whoever says jet lag isn’t real, they are lying. If you are a jet-setter, jet lag might be your worst nightmare. It can hinder you from enjoying your trip to the fullest extent – such as making you fall asleep in the middle of the day or not falling asleep. Even though jet lag might seem like it can never be avoided, it is easily manageable. Forget the fake remedies and tricks to “cure” jet lag. To have a successful trip without the effects of jet lag, remember that it is something to manage and not cure. NASA has figured out for us on how to deal with jet lag depending entirely on the direction you’re flying. Even though this seems a little odd, it is not that difficult to follow and will help you manage jet lag without distressing your body.
1. Necessities While In The Air
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Everyone has that essential list on what to pack for the place. Whether it be that u-shaped neck pillow, moisturizer, snacks, books, tablets or empty water bottle to fill up continuously, the most essential of them all is the blackout eye mask. Flight crews tend to always hand these out for free on long flights, but they tend to be uncomfortable and thin for the eyes. To really make an impact on your sleeping schedule, you have to get a cozy eye mask that blocks out all light. We’re not saying that other things aren’t important or necessary to help you cope with jet lag, such as drinking water. Staying hydrated is the best way for your body to stay balanced and not lead to tiredness. Water is going to be your best friend while traveling, so start drinking!
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2. Flying West To East
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Even though you might not think that it matters what direction you are flying, it shadily does. Sunglasses will be the key here to block out light at certain times to help reset your circadian rhythm. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Moscow, you might believe that you can take a quick nap on the flight and then sleep through the night in Moscow to be okay in the morning. Well, that is not going to work. Why? Well, your circadian rhythm is not set to that time zone, so you need to help your brain to reset. NASA revealed that when you travel west to east, wearing sunglasses for an hour or two when you land will ease you into the day. The help of the sunglasses will help you reset your circadian clock as the local day ends and turns to night, which will help with sleeping for the correct time zone. That means wearing sunglasses at night too!
People also have the issue of staying asleep once you hit the sheets. It is time to whip out that eye mask to help with this issue because a first good night’s sleep is crucial in kicking jet lag’s butt. The key is to start the first night because it will be harder throughout the trip to fall asleep. While many people depend on melatonin or Ambien, the safest and natural route is to block lighting and to reset the circadian rhythm. We recommend to wear those sunglasses, put on that eye mask, take a cold shower and put down all electronics to help with getting your eyes, body, and brain reach pure darkness.
3. Flying East To West
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If you are flying the complete opposite way we mentioned above, reverse everything we said. Instead of blocking out light, you need to embrace it. You should set an alarm for the local sunrise and blast yourself with more of those UV rays to tell your body that it is time for morning. Traveling from east to west is definitely easier on the body since you arrive around the same time you left and can just block out light to sleep until you have to wake up. It might be a pain to force yourself to wake up and get your body used to the new time zone with the bright light, but you will thank us in the long run and will enjoy your trip much more.
4. Flying North To South And Vice Versa
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There’s not really a change in the time zone when flying in this direction, so, for the most part, you’re going to be good. Yes, you will be tired from traveling (because who doesn’t get tired?!), but when are you not tired if you are being productive. Sure, you hate those cramped planes with little-to-no leg room and hate walking from security with all your bags all the way to the other side of the airport to sit at your gate and wait to board the plane. But in the long run, all you need is a good nap on the plane, relax, stay hydrated or catch up on some reading or work. You will be fine, we promise!
5. Necessities When You Finally Land
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Do not focus on the time at your departure city and start to focus on the new time zone you are in. This is a huge necessity in overcoming jet lag. You have to convince your brain that the local time is where you are physical, not mentally. Your brain might be confused at first, but you have to convince yourself that you are in the correct time zone. Your brain will thank you in the long run.
Drinking water is also an essential right when you hit land. Your body is tired and dehydrated from traveling for hours and is screaming for water. Sure, it might be fun to get drunk right off the plane and might help with falling asleep that night, but a hangover is probably the worst mix you can add in with jet lag. Your circadian rhythm is already a little messed up from the traveling, so take it easy the first night until you are assured of a good night’s sleep.
Even though it would be nice and easier to be sleeping in first or business class instead of coach, everyone’s circadian rhythm has to reset to the new time zone they are entering. Don’t let jet lag ruin your trip. Overcome it by following these tricks found by NASA, and we can assure you your trip will be much more enjoyable.
