How to Prevent Jet Lag

Previously published in Examiner

Part 8 of the Jet Lag series

Most Montrealers complain they do not get enough sleep. Yet, sleep affects are physical and mental health. Not having enough sleep affects our mood, our stamina, our home-life and career, and our social relationships.

Sleep is an important human function which is essential for good physical health and good mental health. Even though sleep is so important many Montrealers take sleeping for granted. They either sleep too much or more often than not, sleep less than is recommended for good health. Montrealers will catnap rather than sleep, burn the midnight oil studying, play on the computer, or just insist that they are too busy too sleep.

Jet Lag is a common problem for Montrealers who travel a lot because of vacationing or for the purpose of work. Montreal executives may have a conference to attend to in California one day and maybe New York or Toyko the day. It is a very hectic schedule that will wreck havoc on the body's circadian (sleep mechansim) rhythm.

Spa Eastman Montreal has created a travel package that is designed to counteract the affects of jet lag.

Symptom intensity and jet lag

People traveling across just one or two time zones will be less affected than people who are traveling across several times zones.

How to avoid jet lag continued

Wear loose or comfortable clothing and shoes

If you are going be sitting down on a plane for many hours at a time, you don't want to have tight or restricting clothes and shoes to make you uncomfortable or restrict your blood circulation.

Inspect your travel accommodations

Check your hotel room for good temperature, bed, air circulation in the room, and so on. If it is not to your satisfaction ask for a new room.

Adapt to your new environment

Adapt as quickly as you can to your new environment. For example, if it would have been breakfast time if you were still home and it is dinnertime where you are now, then you must eat dinner. If it was nighttime at home, but daytime when you arrived at your destination, take a walk in the sun to instruct your body that it is daytime or eat in a sunny area, and so on.

Source:

http://www.medicinenet.com/jet_lag/article.htm