Are you a road warrior that is constantly traveling in and out different time zones? If so, you probably are fighting Jet Lag and throwing a wrench in your sleep cycle. Our circadian rhythm is a 24 hour cycle that regulates your sleep and awake times among other things. This is the first thing that is thrown out of order when you are dealing with jet lag. Feeling tired, lethargic, lazy and unwell are common symptoms of when you have jet lag – so how do we beat this? Here are some simple steps to overcoming and sometimes completely avoiding jet lag next time you are hitting the road:
- Select a flight that allows you arrive at night local time. This will trick your body into thinking that its time for bed. Try to get to bed that first night around 10pm.
- A couple days before you fly out, try and adjust your sleep to coincide with the local time of where you are traveling to. This will help you ease into your new time zone.
- Upon boarding the plane, change your watch to the destination time zone. Subconsciously, your mind and body will start to adjust to the time you are checking on your watch.
- Stay away from coffee and alcohol, until you are fully adjusted to your destination time zone.
- During the day time, make sure you are getting sunlight as this will help normalize you circadian rhythm
Safe Travels!