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StumbleUponMore Tips to Fight Jet Lag
9. CONSIDER MELATONIN. Yes, it’s available as an over-the-counter medication and you don’t need a prescription. But since it has the ability to really mess with your brain chemicals, consult with a doctor anyway—especially if you’re taking another medication.
Studies indicate that supplemental melatonin will make you sleepy. It’s not as strong as a sleeping pill, but it directly affects your body’s internal clock and nudges it toward sleep.
Generally, sleep specialists seem to recommend that if you’re heading east, you should consider taking one 3- to 5-milligram capsule between 6:00 and 7:00 P.M. on the day you fly out. Take a second capsule after you’ve arrived at the local bedtime.
If you do take melatonin, however, think about taking a cab to your hotel and picking up a rental car at the hotel rather than the airport. You may be too drowsy to drive safely.
If you’re headed west, take a single melatonin capsule just before bed at your destination. Do not take it before your flight. Two caveats: One, because it’s not reviewed by the FDA, over-the-counter melatonin can come in vastly differing qualities. So buy a well-known brand from a company that guarantees its products. Two, the safety profile of melatonin has not been seriously investigated. It is not, experts agree, for long-term use until studies verifying its safety over the long haul have been done. So don’t think it’s something you can continue to use at home on a regular basis.
10. HAVE THE EGGS BENEDICT. A protein-rich meal the morning after you arrive will give your brain what it needs to produce neurochemicals to increase your alertness throughout the day.
11. STAY ON HOME TIME. If you’re going to be away from home for only a couple of days, stay on the same eating and sleeping schedule while you’re away as you would at home. If you normally have dinner in Atlanta at 8:00 P.M. for instance, when you fly to Los Angeles for two days of business meetings, have dinner at 5:00 P.M. You’ll not only avoid that dragged-around-by-your-hair jet-lagged feeling, you also won’t have trouble getting a good table at the restaurant of your choice.
12. OR SWITCH IMMEDIATELY. If you’re away for more than just a couple of days, don’t just set your watch to local time when you arrive—help reset your internal clock by eating, going to bed, and waking at the local time as well.
13. BRING YOUR WORKOUT GEAR. Most hotels have exercise rooms and lap pools. Schedule a 30-minute workout each day you’re on the road. You’ll feel and sleep better.
14. WATCH OUT FOR FUZZ BRAIN. Avoid driving long distances and making critical decisions for the first 24 hours after you arrive. If you’re the least bit fuzzed by jet lag, your ability to think and react will be impaired.
15. MAKE IT DARK AND COLD. the view from your hotel-room window is superb. But use those heavy room-darkening shades to shut out light during the hours you plan to sleep. Also, lower the room’s temperature. Remember, manipulating light and temperature manipulates your body’s clock and gives it a clear mandate to sleep.
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