My Top 5 Favorite Jet Lag Remedies

I travel a lot so I know how important it is to have jet lag remedies especially when traveling across multiple time zones in a short period of time (like one plane ride). A simple flight from the East Coast in the United States to Germany results in a six hour time difference, for example.

The standard rule is to give yourself one day to adjust for each hour difference. For the example above, that means you should be back to normal in six days. The problem is - that's way too long. What if you're only traveling for a week? You don't want to be tired and out of synch the whole time.

Luckily, there are some things you can do that will help you adjust to the time zones fairly quickly.

1. Take Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. Supplementing it can help you fall asleep at normal hours when you are at your new location. Just take the melatonin thirty minutes to an hour before your desired bed time. I've used this remedy before and it seems to help reset my body clock within a day or two.

2. Daylight Hours

One of the easiest and most effective methods I've used to beat jet lag is to observe regular daylight hours. Even if you don't feel tired, force yourself to go to sleep and wake up during your regular hours. It also helps to resist the urge to nap. For example, if you arrive at a destination in the early morning, it is best to try to stay awake until your normal bedtime. If you can't make it that long, try to get close.

3. Stay Hydrated

Water can really help control jet lag. Being at a high elevation for extended periods of time and in the dry airplane cabin can really sap your body of moisture. Dehydration can really affect your body's ability to adapt to the new time zones. In order to help with jet lag I make sure to drink enough water before, during, and after the flight. I do notice that it helps me maintain my energy once I arrive at my destination.

4. Drink Green Tea

Green tea can help promote sleep and control stress and anxiety. If your jet lag is preventing you from relaxing when it's time for bed, drinking decaf green tea can help considerably. I drink a few cups of green tea a day, especially when I am experiencing jet lag.

5. Try Valerian

Valerian is another herb that helps me get to sleep and can be very useful with jet lag. I usually take about 15-20 drops of the tincture mixed in with a little water thirty minutes before bedtime. What I like about this herb is that I wake up feeling well rested and refreshed.

I've learned that there are some very effective jet lag remedies. By doing a combination of the above I minimize and even prevent jet lag with every trip I take.