Jet Lag

Jet lag is when your normal sleep pattern is disturbed after a long flight. It usually improves within a few days as your body adjusts to the new time zone.

Ways to reduce jet lag

Jet lag itself cannot be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce its effects on you.

Ensure you get plenty of rest before you travel. You should start going to bed and getting up earlier or later than usual, to adjust better to the time zone you are traveling to.

During your flight

Do

Drink plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated
Keep active by stretching and regularly walking around the cabin
Try to get some sleep if it’s night-time at your destination
Use an eye mask and earplugs if they help you sleep if you need to block our sound or light

Don’t

Avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol – they can make jet lag worse

After you arrive

Do

Change your sleep schedule to the new time zone as quickly as possible
Avoid oversleeping in the morning
Go outside during the day – natural light will help your body clock adjust

Don’t

Avoid napping in the day. Stick to one sleep at night

Symptoms of jet lag

The main symptoms of jet lag are:

Difficulty sleeping at bedtime and waking up in the morning
Tiredness and exhaustion
Difficulty staying awake during the day
Poor sleep quality
Concentration and memory problems

Jet lag can also sometimes cause dizziness, indigestion, nausea, constipation, changes in appetite and mild anxiety.

Melatonin is one of the main hormones involved in making you sleep and has been shown to effectively shift the circadian clock, especially when travelling east.

Your Day Lewis pharmacist may be able to offer you this treatment privately.

For more information speak to your local Day Lewis Pharmacy team today.