Having trouble sleeping while on a long trip is no fun. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your dreams. A few quick tips and tricks can help you get a good night’s sleep on your next vacation.
The most obvious trick is to try to retrain your body’s circadian clock to match your new time zone. This involves a combination of light, sound, and movement. Getting out and moving will boost your circulation and help you adjust to the time change. Try moving around your cabin, as well. You may want to use an earplug or an eye mask to block out the light.
As mentioned before, the best way to avoid getting jet lagged is to plan ahead. If you are traveling for work, consider asking your boss for medication to keep you alert. It’s also a good idea to take some time to relax and recharge while you’re still fresh. Taking the time to read a book, do some puzzles, or simply watch your favorite television show can be a great way to unwind.
When traveling across multiple time zones, you’re likely to get the jet lag jitters. For most people, it’s not a serious problem, but for others it can interfere with your sleep schedule, lead to digestive issues, or cause you to miss important meetings or deadlines. Fortunately, there are several ways to overcome the pain.
While there are no guaranties, the more you can prepare, the better off you’ll be. Make sure you take advantage of the airline’s amenities, such as free in-flight meals. In addition, try to avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages onboard, as these can interfere with your circadian rhythms.
Another gizmo you’ll want to remember is the blue spectrum lights. The blue wavelengths of light are the best stimulators of a well-functioning body clock. By using a bright light, you will be able to trick your brain into thinking it’s actually daytime. Of course, too much exposure may have the opposite effect.
Other tricks of the trade include eating closer to the new time of day, wearing a snazzy watch, and learning to recognize the time when it happens. Your body will eventually catch on. Also, do some exercise while you’re on the go, as it will help reshape your sleep schedule.
The best jet lag treatment will allow you to enjoy your vacation without the constant reminders that you’ve just crossed time zones. A combination of a few simple tricks can help you get over jet lag in no time. However, you might need to seek out the aid of a doctor if your jet lag is a persistent or serious affliction. Some people can take up to a week to get over the jet lag blues, but most recover within a few days.
Finally, you might want to think about buying a strobe light, as this will allow you to mitigate some of the effects of jet lag.