The following article on avoiding jet lag is from Magellan's travel serviceJet lag affects as many as 94% of long distance travelers. Some of the symptoms include:
Medical evidence also shows that flight fatigue makes travelers more susceptible to colds, flu, and stomach upsets. THE CAUSES The greatest cause jet lag is the rapid transit across world time zones. The more time zones we cross, the greater the disruption of our body clock (which governs our temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, and physiological patterns), resulting in disorientation and mental and physical fatigue.
Sitting still for long periods of time in flight causes discomfort and possible swelling of the legs and feet. The dry atmosphere in airliner cabins can cause body dehydration. Altitude and pressure changes at each landing and takeoff also upset body systems, and although airliner cabins are pressurized, these changes are significant causes of flight fatigue. What Can We Do about jet lag? Here are some of our favorite strategies for resetting your body's clock. Start Rested The preparation for a long trip often means you're tired before you begin. If at all possible, get enough rest in the days prior to your trip, so you can start out strong and full of energy. Sleep It's best if you can sleep on the plane. Earplugs, eyeshades, and a comfortable neck pillow are well worth the effort of packing if they prevent you from losing a day to jet lag. Try to take care of as many travel details as possible before you leave so that flight day is stress and anxiety-free, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Set your watch to the destination time as soon as you board the plane. While a drink or two may relax you, alcohol can dehydrate you, making your symptoms worse. Also, Flight Safety Expert Diana Fairechild (author of Jet Smarter) says "Avoid sleeping pills and mind-altering pharmaceuticals on the day you fly. In the event of an emergency, you will need all your faculties in order to survive." Drink Water Lots of it. Plan on 8 to 16 ounces during each hour of travel. Taking your own water bottle can save you the awkwardness of repeatedly pressing the "call button" for another glass of water, and will help you resist caffeinated and sugared drinks, which can actually make you more dehydrated. Collapsible Platy Bottles are a good choice, since they don't require much space when they're empty. Have a nice, long hot bath when you arrive to rehydrate and relax. Exercise The long periods of sitting on an airplane, bus, or train are hard on your body. Walking and stretching exercises in flight will help your body adjust to the new climate. To help reset your body clock, try to stay awake until bedtime rather than taking a nap upon arrival - spending time outdoors seems to help most travelers. Experience As you travel, experiment to find the system that works best for you. Some travelers forswear all naps, others insist on them. Keeping note of your experiences will help you get the most from future trips. Consult with fellow travelers, too. Their experiences can help you avoid days lost to jet lag discomfort. Can you help? What are your experiences in combating jet lag? Please use the form at the bottom of the travel journal page.
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