How to Recover From Jet Lag

Your body has its own internal clock, it’s called circadian rhythm. This clock is what tells the body when to sleep and when to stay awake. When you travel to a location with a different time zone than the one you’re used to, jet lag can occur.

You’ll adjust to the new time zone eventually, but in the meantime, 5-Minute Crafts gathered a few ways to minimize jet lag symptoms and even some preventative measures.

Tips on how to cope with jet lag.

• Stay hydrated: Traveling, especially long distances, can cause dehydration and trigger even more jet lag symptoms like fatigue. Make sure to keep drinking plenty of water throughout your flight and upon arrival to your destination.

• Take a warm bath: These can be a great way to relax, wind down, and relieve stress — especially after traveling. Also, when you get out of the bath, your body temperature drops and that can make you sleepy.

• Consider melatonin: This hormone is naturally made by your body to trigger sleepiness. If all else fails and you’re really struggling to fall asleep, try taking a melatonin supplement to get some relief from the jet lag you’re experiencing.

❗️This is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Always seek guidance from your doctor regarding your health and medical conditions.

Tips on how to prevent jet lag.

• Adjust your sleep schedule before leaving: A clever way to prevent jet lag is to start managing your sleep schedule, according to where you’re going. So if you’re traveling east, try to go to bed 30 minutes earlier each night for a few nights before leaving. And if you’re going west, do the opposite.

• Sleep while flying: Another way to avoid jet lag is to check and see if your flight is in the air during your destination’s nighttime — and if it is, aim to get some sleep while you’re airborne. By doing this, you get a head-start on adjusting to your new time zone. Eye masks, earplugs, and noise-cancelling headphones can be very helpful as a way to fall asleep more easily during flights.

• Arrive a few days earlier: If you have a major meeting or event and want to make sure you don’t have to deal with any jet lag symptoms, planning ahead and arriving several days earlier can ensure you’ll be ready when the important day comes.