7 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of Jet Lag after an International Flight

Did you know one of the most commonly complained about issues among long-haul travellers is having Jet Lag?

Whenever you travel overseas, the time difference between the two lands leads to an alteration in your body's circadian rhythm and may result in Jet lag symptoms. 

The body's circadian rhythm is nothing but the sleep-wake cycle that gets disturbed while you travel to different time zones. Today, this blog will suggest seven tips to ease the symptoms of jet lag. But first, let us demonstrate, in easier terms, what is  Jet Lag.

What is Jet Lag?

Jet Lag is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when you travel to different time zones quickly. Let's take an example to explain the circadian rhythm imbalance further.

Suppose you travel from New Delhi, India, to London, UK. The time difference between the two cities is 5 hours and 30 minutes. For instance, if it is 10.30 AM in New Delhi, it would be 5.00 AM in London. 

Suppose you have booked a direct flight at 6:30 AM, and it takes 9 hours and 55 minutes to reach London. By the time you get to the London airport, it should be 4:25 PM, per your body's adapted time zone. However, the actual time in London will still be 10:55 AM.  

This time difference between your body's biological clock and the environment around you leads to several uncomfortable symptoms of jet lag, such as insomnia, nausea, and an upset stomach. 

Now that you know what Jet Lag is, read further to know how does jet lag make you feel.

What are the Symptoms of Jet Lag?

Symptoms of Jet lag are very common and can affect anybody who travels overseas for a short period. However, the farther you travel, the worse symptoms of jet lag you may observe. 

Below mentioned are a few discomforts you may encounter if you are experiencing a condition of Jet Lag: 

• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Loss of Energy/ Dehydration
• Constipation/ Diarrhoea/ and/or upset stomach
• Irritability, etc.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Jet Lag

The symptoms of Jet Lag last at least a day. However, this may vary depending on how far you travel. The more time zones you cross, the more prevalent the symptoms of jet lag get. 

Suppose you have travelled across five time zones; then your body may take 2-5 days to recover from the symptoms of Jet Lag .

How Do You Cure a Jet Lag?

Symptoms of Jet Lag may be undeniably irritating, especially when you plan a trip and forget to keep the necessary cures for the problem! Today we will give you tips that can help ease the symptoms of Jet Lag. However, if the condition persists, take the worst scenarios and get admitted to a reliable clinic.

Worried about the expensive treatments? Your travel insurance from Care Health Insurance will be at your rescue if you are hospitalised in a foreign land! 

Heading back to tips to ease the symptoms of jet lag.

Know Whether to Sleep or Not During the Flight

While on a flight, knowing whether to take a nap can help you greatly! The decision may depend on the duration of your flight and the direction you are travelling to. 

If you are travelling to the east, experts suggest that taking a nap after boarding the flight helps prevent jet lag. Meanwhile, if you travel to the west, try not to sleep during the journey.

Get Sunlight

When you ask what is the fastest way to cure jet lag, Natural sunlight would be our first answer! Having natural sunlight can help you adapt to the local environment and cure symptoms of Jet Lag sooner.

After landing in your destination, if you have travelled towards the east, try to spend some time outdoors under the sun during the morning hours. However, for people travelling to the west, spending time outdoors in the afternoon can help the body adjust to the new time zone.

Avoid Taking Alcohol or Caffeine

People travelling to the east may think of taking alcohol as this will help them sleep comfortably. However, intake of alcohol at higher altitudes may result in dehydration and lead to discomfort and sleep apnea. Thus, you should avoid taking alcohol during your flight.

On the other hand, people travelling to the west should refrain from taking caffeinated drinks to avoid falling asleep!

Caffeine takes a lot of time to digest and may leave you with an uneasy feeling at an altitude! Thus, instead of taking caffeinated drinks, try taking nutrient-rich bars, and light foods and beverages. 

Get a Good Night's Sleep Before You Take off

Jet Lag affects you even more if you are already tired! Last-minute packing and hustle may leave you with worsened symptoms of jet lag ! To avoid this  problem, make sure to take a good night's sleep before taking off for the trip.

Take Handy Sleep Accessories

Discomfort during the flight may lead to uncomfortable sleep that may worsen the symptoms of Jet Lag. Hence, while packing your bags for the trip, remember to carry handy sleep accessories such as an eye mask and neck pillow. Wearing comfortable clothes during the journey can also help you have a comfortable journey!

Follow a Schedule According to the New Time Zone

Trying to cooperate and follow the schedule according to the new time zone can help your body to adapt to the changes sooner. You may feel tired and want to sleep according to your biological clock, but try to avoid this temptation and only sleep at the local time of the new schedule.

Avoid Artificial Lighting

However, it may be nighttime in the country you are currently in; your body may still be functioning according to its biological clock. In such a case using artificial lighting may end you up in sleeplessness. If it’s night time in the destination, avoid night lights, and try to drift into a sleep at the local time to ease the symptoms. 

Summing Up!

Utilising the aforementioned tips can help you ease the symptoms of jet lag and adapt to the environment sooner. But, if the symptoms persist longer than two days, visit a doctor. 

The treatment expenses incurred amidst the worsening of the jet lag symptoms shall be easily covered in your comprehensive International travel insurance plan from Care health insurance. 

Take a new journey, and keep the jet lag from spoiling your initial experiences! Just follow the tips and be at ease!

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.