The one trick Brits say is the best way to beat jet lag
Frequent fliers and those who regularly experience wanderlust should know a thing or two about avoiding jet lag, right?
According to Mayo Clinic, jet lag can affect anybody travelling across multiple time zones. It’s said that this is due to your body’s circadian rhythms being attuned to your original time zone.
So, the further you travel, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.
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Unfortunately, this sleep issue can quickly derail the beginning of your long-haul trips and cause daytime fatigue, insomnia and sometimes stomach issues.
Jet lag can affect your enjoyment of being abroad and scupper plans when you’re back in your native country because you’re just too tired to venture out.
New research from hotel chain YOTEL found that 29 percent of British travellers claimed jet lag harmed their ability to enjoy a trip.
32 percent of the survey said they’d been put off long-haul travel entirely, while 27 percent claimed they’d called in sick to work due to suffering from sleepiness.
However, you’ll be pleased to know that the research has also yielded some ways to combat jet lag - with one particular hack being hailed as the best method.
Seven percent of survey respondents said that wearing sunglasses indoors helped to ease symptoms while 12 percent said that pumping loud music did the trick.
And, according to the hotelier’s survey, 18 percent of Britains believe compression socks will help them battle against tiredness when they land.
The garment works to squeeze and stimulate circulation in your calves and feet. The good news is that you can also wear them for extended periods.
Dr. Eugene Delaune has previously weighed in on the conversation and divulged some of his best travel practices.
In a conversation with Allianz Travel Insurance, Dr Delaune said those flying east should begin adjusting their sleep routine several days before departure.
“Try to get up earlier and go to bed earlier each day,” he said.
If you’re flying west, he explained that you should stay up a ‘little later each night’ and stay in bed ‘longer each morning’.
He said: “Avoid sleeping during the flight, if possible. As for flying east, drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, which will dehydrate you and interrupt your sleep.”
The expert also claimed that the ‘number one rule’ for avoiding jet lag once you arrive at your destination is not to hit the hay.
“Don't sleep. Even if you're so tired that you feel like you might collapse onto the baggage carousel and be whisked away into the innards of the airport, have another coffee and stagger on,” he said.
So, whether you have an all-inclusive holiday to Barbados on the cards or just want to have your own Blair Waldorf moment on the MET Museum steps - you might want to try out some of these hacks on your next long-haul flight.
Ella Scott