Jet Lag Alert

Jet lag

Crossing more than two time zones unpleasantly disrupts the normal sleep/wake cycle.  Traveling east is generally worse than traveling west, but ‘jet lag’ occurs in both directions and negatively impacts the travel experience. There are several proven strategies to minimize the effects of jet lag:  

1. Try to move your sleep schedule 2-4 hours in the direction of your destination during the week preceding travel.  
2. Plan sleep times for after arrival.  Use short naps to manage daytime sleepiness.  
3. Expose yourself to daylight as much as possible in your destination country.  
4. Eat meals that correlate with the day/night schedule in your destination country.
5. Moderate exercise on the day of arrival may be helpful.
6. Melatonin can be used at bedtime each evening for several days after arrival in country.