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| Jet
Lag Jet
lag is the term used to describe the discomfort caused by flying across
multiple time zones, and tends to be more pronounced when traveling in
an easterly direction. It results from disruption of the body's
internal clock and produces symptoms such as fatigue, irritability,
disturbed sleep, forgetfulness, and poor appetite. Although jet lag
affects people differently, on average, travelers need about one day to
adjust for every two hours of time change. There
is no
specific cure for jet lag, but travelers find some remedies helpful.
Exposure to sunlight may help your body readjust its internal clock
naturally. Melatonin has recently become a popular remedy among world
travelors as well, although its actual efficacy continues to be
studied. (It is important to know that Melatonin is not classified as a
drug, and therefore its supply is not FDA-regulated for potency,
quality, or sterility.) Here are some
suggestions to help reduce jet lag: - If
possible, plan your trip so that you arrive at your destination in the
early evening. Try not to sleep on the plane, and go to bed on local
time. If you have to arrive in the early morning, try to get some sleep
on the flight.
- Set your watch to your destination's
time zone
as soon as you board the plan, and try to eat and sleep according to
that time schedule. Adjust exercise and meal times to the new local
time as soon as possible.
- Dramamine or Bendadryl,
over-the-counter drugs, can be used as sleep aids.
- Minimize
your intake of coffee and alcohol en route, and stay well hydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration may accentuate any discomfort due to jet lag.
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