If you plan to do a major trip this holiday season, especially over multiple times zones, chances are you’ll spend the first couple of days walking around like a Zombie because of jet lag.
Thamsanqa Ndebele, regional travel manager for Travel Guard, a Chartis company, said people tend to put a lot of effort into planning the perfect trip and should make sure they get the most out of their time off.
Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organisation serving more than 40 million clients in over 160 countries and jurisdictions.
“Jet lag occurs when you cross over a number of time zones at once, typically after trips of more than four hours either east or west.
“Travelling in an easterly direction is tougher on the body-clock than flying westwards because your body adapts better when you’re are extending your day, rather than when you are shortening it.”
Symptoms of jet lag include insomnia, irritability, and altered bowel habits.
Try Travel Guard’s simple tips to beat the Zombie:
1) A couple of days before you travel, try going to bed earlier if you are travelling east and later if you are travelling west
2) Avoid eating like a horse immediately before travelling. The lower air pressure in the cabin can mean you get bloated more easily, leading to discomfort. Avoid typically “gassy” foods for the same reason. Fellow passengers will thank you
3) Immediately on take-off, change your watch to the local time of your destination, so that you start getting used to your new time zone hours before arrival
4) Get as much exercise on the flight as you can by walking up and down the aisles. If you can, choose an aisle seat so that you don’t disturb your fellow passengers every time you get up to go for a walk
5) Drink lots of water during the flight. The dry air inside an aircraft not only causes dehydration, but also causes passengers to sweat profusely. People don’t notice as the sweat dries immediately
6) Avoid drinking coffee and tea during a flight if you can. Both cause extra dehydration because they are diuretics
7) Try to adjust your mealtimes and bedtime to the local clock immediately on arrival – even if you want cornflakes when the steaks are being served
Travel Guard South Africa offers personal and business travel insurance with a broad range of cover options and rates.
I tried a lot of thing to “fight” with jet lag, but best works change – watch to the local time of your destination during take off [3] and start adjusting to day routine of your destination – try to sleap on plane if it night where, and stay awake if there is day. [1] never worked for me.
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