CONTINUE part two

So, yes getting some good sleep on the plane does help.

 

Multiple time zones and you:

The actual length of the flight you are taking is not important, the single most important factor is how many time zones you cross going east or West. Flying North or South is much easier, Since you are not drastically changing the time zones. The number of intermediate stops is also a factor, as you land and go through changes in the cabin pressure.

 

WHAT CAUSES JET LAG?

Your pre-flight condition: If you’re excited, stressed out, anxious, nervous, over-tired then you’re the perfect candidate for having a good case of “ JETLAGITIS”. The best medicine is still a good nights sleep prior to Your departure.: The earlier in the day you’re able to board the flight the better. A 10AM flight beats a 10 PM Departure. Flying refreshed is the key.

 

ON THE PLANE:

The air aboard the Jet you are taking is dry. For people who normally live in a more humid climate, the change can be more pronounced. The dry air can cause headaches, dry skin, plus dry nasal and Throat. Drinking plenty of water is the best solution, and we mean water, having Coffee, tea or other fruit juices are not recommended. Your body needs to replenish the water you’re sweating. The coffee is a diuretic, which means your going to have to drink a lot of water to make up for that cup of Coffee you have on the plane. Our recommendation is that you try to limit the coffee you drink on  your trip.

Cabin Pressure:

At a cruising altitude of 30,000’, the inside cabin pressure of

aircraft you’re flying in is pressurized to about  8000 Ft., and

your ears are popping because of the cabin pressure your

experiencing inside is being slowly reduced to get you ready to normal ground conditions. Unless you live at these higher

elevations, and you are acclimated to living at these higher elevations, the added pressure can cause your body to swell, a

general tiredness, and just plain old lethargy.

Stale Air:

Providing a constant supply of fresh air in the cabin costs the airline money, and some airlines are more willing to oblige, than others. The air supply in business and first class is often better than in the economy Class. A lack of good air makes you tired, and can cause headaches. Sometimes if you ask the flight Attendants to turn up the fresh air, they will do so.

Drinking Alcohol:

The impact of alcohol on your body is 2-3 times more potent when you’re flying. One glass of wine In flight has the effect of 2-3 glasses on the ground. Adding this to the other problems we have just discussed, you can potentially get off the plane with a horrible hangover that simply compounds the jet lag.                                                                     

Food and Drink:

We wouldn’t call it gourmet coffee; airline coffee and tea tend too less palatable, they have a higher than normal amount of caffeine content, and are abrasive on the stomach. Orange juice can also be abrasive if your not used to it. You should go easy too on the in-flight meals being served. Cut down on caffeine before, and on  your trip. Drink plenty of water on the flight, dehydration is a common side affect of air travel and you can do yourself a great favor by drinking just water. Be aware that you are more susceptible to any colds, coughs and sore throats by being confined in an airliner.

Fatigue:

Being worn out and tired after arriving is common, it’s generally accompanied by a lack of concentration and motivation, especially for activities that  require too much effort. Take it easy and try to get as much sun as possible. Don’t push yourself. The sun helps re-set your clocks to local time.

On Arrival:

Once you arrive at your destination, try to spend as much time outdoors in daylight as you can. The purpose of this is to re-set your biological clock to the local time. Try to aim for a minimum of one hour for each time zone that you have crossed. Get your circadian inner clock re-adjusted to the new time. Stay awake during the day, and try to avoid naps-no matter how appealing. 

 

One last thing, enjoy yourself, and send us a postcard. We’ll post your postcard from abroad on our web site, so you can share your trip with your friends and relatives. We love to hear from you, so give us some feedback on how you handled your case of JET LAG. Don’t forget these same tips apply once you get back home!!!!!..... Enjoy your trip.

 

Best Regards…...Steve/Dolly

 

P.S.  - Before you go read this