Beating Jet Lag
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Beating Jet Lag
Your Travel Health
By Debbie Miller, R.N. |
If you fly much, chances
are you’ve experienced jet lag. This unwelcome bi-product of traveling is a
result of disrupted sleep patterns caused by passing through multiple time zones
in a short period of time.
Disrupting your body’s
internal clock can make you feel terrible – from fatigue, disorientation,
absent-mindedness and vertigo, to headaches and loss of appetite.
Fortunately, there are
some very simple things you can do to reduce the effects of jet lag. First of
all, try to be well rested before you leave, and then get as much rest as
possible on the airplane. (This isn’t easy, I know. I’ve never flown in a
“comfortable” airplane seat.)
Remember to drink plenty
of fluids (water or juice) prior to departure. During the flight, eat light
meals and limit your consumption of alcohol. Some people find that short-acting
sleeping pills aid with the adjustment of sleeping. However, be sure to speak
with your physician about this first.
Melatonin has been touted
as a jet lag cure. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. It’s
highest at night and affects the sleep pattern. Some say that it works well for
jet lag. However, opponents say that not enough research has been done on
melatonin and its effects. As with any pill, do your homework and talk to your
doctor before taking it.
For those who cross two or more time zones frequently or are traveling
overseas, more assistance may be needed.
Here are several excellent
resources:
World Health Organization
Chapter on Jet Lag
http://www.who.int/ith/chapter02_02.html
Doctor Travel’s Cure for
the Common Trip by James Feldman (go to
http://www.doctor-travel.com/jetlag.html to read an excerpt from the book)
UC Berkeley Wellness Letter
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsMelatonin.php
Information on Melatonin
http://www.melatonin.com
No Jet Lag
www.nojetlag.com
