Jet Lag - Causes and Remedies
The processes of all animals and plants follow a 24-hour rhythm called body clock. This is our personal synchronization with the daylight-darkness cycle. When you travel in an airplane crossing time zones, say from New York to Houston, your body clock cannot adjust itself quickly enough. Your will lose sync with the new daylight-darkness cycle of where you left (NY) and does not recover quickly for the place that you are going (Houston). This causes a condition of disorientation called jet lag.
A jet lagged person can become depressive, irritable and finds it difficult to concentrate. His sleep pattern may get disturbed; he may lose appetite and at times may feel dehydrated. Condition of swollen feet may also develop.
Jet lag is not caused by the actual time in the air spent but crossing time zones. A journey from Frankfurt to New York is likely to cause jet lag but a journey from Frankfurt to Johannesburg will not. These two cities, Frankfurt and Johannesburg, lie within the same time zone. The length of time in an airplane is sure to cause discomfiture mostly because you are sitting in a little seat in the same cramped position for a long time but not necessarily jet lag.
Jet lag does not affect all people all the time nor is its severity. The elderly seem to suffer much less from jet lag as compared to the younger ones. Also it seems to affect women of reproducing age group more often. It depends upon a person’s physiological adjustability. If you know you are prone to suffer from jet lag here are some of the precautions you can take that will cut down on the severity.
Prior to your flight get a good night’s sleep. Avoid embarking on the journey under strain; try to spend some relaxed time prior to the flight. Drink alcohol in moderation on the aircraft and, as always, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. (Aren’t you tired of hearing that?) Get some light exercise such as walking up and down the aisle and a little stretching will help. Remove your shoes and try to stretch your feet, wiggle your toes some.
Some people suggest taking sleeping pills to get over jet lag; but be advised that it may cause rather unpleasant consequences. There are many “anti jet lag” preparations on market but you should observe caution before using them. Anti jet lag diets are available; but apart from their doubtful efficacy, following such a diet for a few days before and after journey strictly could be quite cumbersome. There is an OTC (over the counter) homeopathic drug available which is said to be effective; being homeopathic medicine it may be free of side effects.
As an anti jet lag drug Melatonin has claimed to be effective. You must take it at specific times for a number of days, starting with a few days prior to going on the journey. Research does not support its anti-jet-lag claims and quite the contrary. It may lead to worsening of the jet lag symptoms. You must adhere to its strict instructions regarding timing are not followed. In fact in UK it is banned.
A jet lagged condition may carry on for many days. Recovery from jet lag at the rate of “one day per time zone” is considered quite reasonable. The easiest methods for rapid recovery are relaxation, good sleep, sensible diet and moderate exercise. No fun at all for a vacation. This is what you have to do at home. Give it go anyway and attempt to have fun. Bon voyage!
Tags: Alternative Health
