Traveling abroad can be exhilarating. But sometimes it’s easy to discount the crippling jet leg that can set in after traversing multiple time zones—leaving you exhausted, disoriented and possibly causing you to miss out on your vacation. Jet lag is something that can ruin a vacation or plague athletes and musicians or have a businessman or woman not perform at their peak. The number of passengers flying internationally in 2017 reached an all-time annual high, with 107.7 million people—up 3.5% from the previous high reached in 2016. That means, more people are likely suffering from jet lag. But whether you’re flying cross country or halfway across the globe, there are ways to protect yourself. Here, experts reveal the science behind that all-too pesky jet lag—and the secrets to outsmarting it.
- obtain proper light exposure, which will realign your internal circadian clock to your new time zone
- gradually shift your circadian clock to the new time zone a few days before flying
- staying well-hydrated because dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of jet lag
- skipping alcohol on the flight and before bedtime as it can disrupt sleep
Question: Do you get jet lag? How do you handle it? Do you have any tricks or advice for others?