Surviving Jet Lag

B

bearthedog

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May 17, 2006
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Ok a little dramatic but I was wondering...does anyone have any tips from person experience?

I should be an expert at this but I am still on Dracula hours!:cool:

-RB
 
I've been on many long, long, long flights (my wife's family lives in Korea) and I've found that the best thing for jetlag is to start following the local time immediately. DON'T take a nap immediately upon arrival, or you will be screwed. Sleep on the plane, then go to sleep at the same time the locals do, and get up the same time the locals do. Then you should be fine. And make sure to drink plenty of fluids as soon as you arrive. The air on a plane is very dry- dehydration intensifies jetlag.
 
I think the key is exposure to sunlight to reset your body clock and circadian rhythm. If you get in early, get as much sunlight as you can; if you get in late, minimize your light exposure. I seem to remember somewhere that fasting might also help you get on track more quickly, something about the body and how it responds to food. If you're in to taking stuff, people talk about melatonin, though I have no personal experience with it. And +1 to what moonwilson said about following the local schedule immediately (in line with the sun exposure thing).

ETA: Have to mention that I haven't really seen any good data on any of this though.
 
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moonwilson said:
I've been on many long, long, long flights (my wife's family lives in Korea) and I've found that the best thing for jetlag is to start following the local time immediately. DON'T take a nap immediately upon arrival, or you will be screwed. Sleep on the plane, then go to sleep at the same time the locals do, and get up the same time the locals do. Then you should be fine. And make sure to drink plenty of fluids as soon as you arrive. The air on a plane is very dry- dehydration intensifies jetlag.
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I think the problem is that I can't simply go to sleep when the locals do. I have started to follow the local time and fight it less.:thumbup:

rksoon said:
I think the key is exposure to sunlight to reset your body clock and circadian rhythm. If you get in early, get as much sunlight as you can; if you get in late, minimize your light exposure. I seem to remember somewhere that fasting might also help you get on track more quickly, something about the body and how it responds to food. If you're in to taking stuff, people talk about melatonin, though I have no personal experience with it. And +1 to what moonwilson said about following the local schedule immediately (in line with the sun exposure thing).

ETA: Have to mention that I haven't really seen any good data on any of this though.
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Sunlight at this point might melt me. Since I have been back in California/Nevada it has been gloomy, June gloom.

Thanks for the advice all. I will try something new while I am hanging upside down from a tree tonight looking for necks to bite.
 
I'm with Moonwilson on this. The best way to beat the long flight and reculous time differernce is to stay up and follow the time zone of where you are.

In a day or two I'm usually set.
 
I used to spend 2 weeks in USA, 2 weeks in Asia. Got so messed-up that I was jetlagged in both continents. Still have to travel but typically monthly now, which is better.

Sunlight and forcing yourself to adopt the local time immediately is about all that you can do.
 
Ambien.

If the ride is a long time, like more then 8-10 hours, take one when you reach cruising altitude.

When you get where you're going -- stay up until the locals go to sleep. Take an Ambien.

Wake up on a normal schedule the next day. Before going to bed -- take an Ambien.

You will be good to go after that.

Better living through chemistry! :D
 
I had some Ambien on the flight but decided to watch movies instead.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

-RB
 
moonwilson said:
I've been on many long, long, long flights (my wife's family lives in Korea) and I've found that the best thing for jetlag is to start following the local time immediately. DON'T take a nap immediately upon arrival, or you will be screwed. Sleep on the plane, then go to sleep at the same time the locals do, and get up the same time the locals do. Then you should be fine. And make sure to drink plenty of fluids as soon as you arrive. The air on a plane is very dry- dehydration intensifies jetlag.
Click to expand...

I agree completely!
 
Some are helped by melatonin supplements which of course regulates your solar cycles.
 
Haven't yet seen it mentioned here, and it truly brings in the survival aspects... no booze. Keep hydrated and active.
 
Local time asap.

Before and during the flight eat less and drink more (water :p).

Oh, and stretch, stretch, and stretch for circulation.
 
Well I am about to get off work after 26hrs up. I work in a hospital and work 12.5 hr day shifts. I worked Saturday and Sunday. Monday and Tuesday were my days off but I got called in at 6:30 pm and am working till 7:00 am Tuesday. Ruins both days, then come back and work 12.5 hrs Wednesday and Thursday. I will go home rest a few hrs then try and keep my regular schedual. If I sleep in I will be messed up for days. Somewhat like jet lag. I would imagine the light changes really mess you up. I need some bush time.
 
Thanks everyone and to update you all....I am almost back to my American Dracula hours. I think what worked for me was staying up more and working on projects and playing with new gear until I was completely beat. I would then wait until a respectable hour like 1-5 am and try to sleep. You never know when a new trip opportunity will arise and I will have to try some of the other ideas you have all given me, thanks.

-RB
 
What about the part from diehard where you are supposed to make fists with your bare feet and walk on carpet. . . Does that work?


Just keep your shoes nearby in case terrorists take over Nakatomi tower.
 
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