#7: It's all about the jet lag
It’s all about the Jet Lag: What is Jet Lag and more importantly what can we do about it?
So what is jet lag and what causes it?
Well, firstly let's look at what it is.
When you travel in an aircraft to places far away from home, you normally cross multiple time zones.
This causes extreme tiredness and other physical effects on your body which then needs time to catch up.
Each time zone crossed takes one hour to reset your circadian clock (the body's natural clock).
Travelling west is easier on the body than travelling east.
Being in a metal tube at 30 odd thousand feet above sea level can take its toll on your body.
Stress at airports. Missing nights sleep either before, after or during travel. Security at the airport.
Travelling to the airport, all before you even get on board. Then you have poor air quality on board.
Poor food and radiation from being up above the ozone layer.
So what are some of the symptoms of jet lag:-
extreme tiredness
fatigue
poor circulation (due to lack of movement and cramped space)
dehydration
circadian rhythm disrupter/mismatch
poor or lack of sleep
irritability
That said, what can we do to help the effects of jet lag?
1. Drink plenty of water both during and after your flight.
2. Make sure you are well rested before your flight.
3. Try and change your bedtime routine to the direction you will be travelling to, i.e. if you are travelling west, get up a little later and if you are travelling east get up a little earlier a few days before you fly.
4. Try and expose yourself to as much daylight as possible as this helps reset your circadian rhythm.
5. Once you have landed at your destination try and ground yourself.
For example, walk on a sandy beach or take a walk in the woods or mountains.
6. Take a swim (in the sea or lake if possible) if not, in a pool.
7. Avoid alcohol before, during and 3 days after your flight. (I know what you are thinking on this point, impossible). I get it. But I have to tell you what the
research shows.
8. Go for a walk in the sunlight and try and get lots
of fresh air.
9. Try and eat some healthy food. For example, whole foods, fresh vegetables, a little fruit, a healthy salad etc.
10. Relaxation - Perhaps a little yoga.
So why should we be bothered to take the above steps when we fly?
To help reset your biological clock and get your circadian rhythm back on track.
It will help to keep your body as healthy as possible.
It will help negate the effects of missing nights sleep and the effects that have an impact on our bodies.
Eating correctly while on board and down route can help keep your body and immune system healthy.
Handing fatigue, caused by time differences and crossing multiple time zones, can help lessen the effects.
Lessening the effects of Circadian rhythm mismatch.
Will help you cope with different shift work patterns.
As Flight crews general lifestyle is completely different to the usual 9-5 workers, it will help you maintain a generally healthy lifestyle.
Stop the Struggling of trying to stay awake when your body should be sleeping.
Until next time this is,
Kelly K
P.S. did you catch my free e-book:-
Some Quick Tips that your can Implement Straight Away
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Disclaimer:
The entire contents of this blog post is based purely on the opinion of Kelly K, unless otherwise stated. This information is not intended or implied to replace a qualified health professional or professional medical advice. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this blog post is for general information purposes only. Always consult your doctor or health care professional. This information is not intended for medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Kelly K