Depending on where you fly to and what new time zone you enter, it will take time for your body’s internal clock to adjust to the changes. NASA estimates that you need one day for every time zone you cross to regain normal rhythm and energy levels (i.e. a 5-hour time difference means you will require 5 days to get back to normal).

At this time, there is no cure for jet lag nor is there a way to completely prevent it, but there are ways to help avoid and alleviate some of the symptoms of jet lag depending on your situation.

? If you are traveling through 1-2 time zones, you can ignore the new clock and stay on your regular sleeping and eating schedule until you get back home – no disruptions.

? If you have a longer stay through several time zones you’ll need to adopt the new schedule you are now living in.

? For long trips it will help you to start changing your schedule before you leave. Try changing your schedule 1 hour a day to shorten your adjustment time and help your internal clock prepare for the changes.

What are the symptoms of jet lag?

? Disorientation, lack on concentration or fuzziness.

? Becoming irrational or unreasonable – “Losing it” is another symptom reported by aircrew. Going through customs and immigration and getting to the hotel often become tedious.

? Fatigue – Tiredness will make it difficult for you to concentrate and enjoy your holidays or business trip.

? Dehydration – This can cause headaches, dry skin and nasal irritation, and make you more susceptible to any colds, coughs, sore throats and flu that are around you.

? Discomfort of legs and feet – Limbs can swell while flying and can become very uncomfortable.

? Broken sleep after arrival – Crossing time zones can cause you to wake during the night and then want to fall asleep during the day. Your inbuilt circadian rhythms have been disturbed, and it can take many days for the body to readjust to the new time zone.

A report from the World Health Organization directly links jet lag with problems of diarrhea caused by microbiological contamination of water or food, which it says affects about 50% of long haul travelers. “Factors such as travel fatigue, jet lag, a change in diet, a different climate and a low level of immunity may aggravate the problem by reducing a travelers’ resistance and making them more susceptible to this type of infection or poisoning,” the report says.

There are a few ways to aid in reducing the symptoms of jet lag and make your transition a bit smoother:

Before You Fly

? If you are experiencing any health problems you should check with your doctor before you fly.

? If you have trouble with your ears while ascending or descending (i.e. not popping) you might want to consider taking a decongestant before boarding the plane or speak to your doctor for your best solution to this.

? Be calm. Avoid that last-minute rush. Try to have all your packing and papers in order the week before to help lower your stress level.

? Get plenty of rest.

? Be well hydrated and avoid caffeine (coffees/teas) as they dehydrate you.

? Plan to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move. Planes can sometimes be very cramped and if you cannot get comfortable your stress level will increase and you won’t get the rest that you need.

While You Fly

? Make it a goal to drink at least 8-12 oz. of water each hour that you are on the plane. Bring a water bottle with good quality water.

? Try to avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine (coffees/teas), as it decreases hydration.

? To minimize the dehydration of your skin, apply lotion to as much of your body as possible and re-apply whenever needed.

? Be sure to set your watch to the new time zone upon departure to help prepare your mind for your new time zone.

? Try to walk around the cabin of the plane to exercise your limbs and stretch your muscles. This will also aid in keeping your stress levels low and help increase your circulation.

? Use earphones to listen to your choice of music or earplugs to reduce fatigue from cabin noise.

? Sleep on the plane if you are scheduled to arrive in the morning.

? Avoid taking Sleeping Pills – Some people use this to try to alleviate jet lag. Sleeping pills induce a comatose state with little or no natural body movement. Leg veins become bags of blood and when this blood doesn’t circulate there is a possibility that it will clot. Also many so-called sleeping pills are variants on anti-histamines and they tend to dehydrate significantly adding to the already big problem of dehydration.

? Take along an eye mask, neck-rest, slippers, or earplugs and whatever else will aid you in sleeping on the plane.

? Stay awake on the plane if you are scheduled to arrive in the evening. Keep yourself busy with an activity, reading, needlework, or conversation.

After You Fly

? At your destination, walk barefoot on the ground, if possible, and/or swim in the ocean or soak in an Epsom salt bath. This will help ground your electromagnetic system.

? As soon as possible, stand in direct sunlight for 10-20 minutes without glasses.

? Start moving as soon as you get off the plane, e.g., use the stairs and avoid the elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks.

? Keep your mind off of the time difference. Don’t think about what time it is at home.

? Get some exercise outdoors. Take a walk

? Keep drinking plenty of water.

? Take a shower or bathe to help re-hydrate and refresh your body.

Doing all that you can to reduce your symptoms will aid in your travel safety and enjoyment.

Should you be there longer, over the counter sleeping pills help the most.

In the airplane drink lots of water or juice…not coke.

Set your watch to the new time zone as soon as possible and eat regular light meals again with extra water then usual. Try to stay away from alcohol which might be hard in France…but at least a day or so.

The trick with sleeping pills is knowing when to take them. You will most likely will have periods of hyper activity followed by a crash when it first gets dark. Then around 10-12 pm you will wake up again…Have no idea why but always happens when I am in Europe. Try to go to sleep before 10 pm but not too soon. Do not sleep during the day – even naps as that will make it harder (does not apply if you only there 3-4 days).

Bright side…coming home is much easier. While technically the body can adjust to 2 hr of time difference per day coming home is easier as your body feels like a long day. Be prepared to wake up at 3 am…another one of those weird times that always happens. Take the sleeping pills for no more then 2-3 days and of course consult your pharmacy or physician to make sure its ok. I do not like the prescription ones as they are too strong…the OTC do me just fine.

2. Start using local time at your destination as soon as you take off. Forget about what time it is back home. Reset your watch, eat and sleep according to local time.

3. Make sure you get a full night’s sleep, according to the local time, especially on the first night.

These work for me, but there’s a lot of individual variability in susceptibility to jet lag.