As much as the idea of traveling enthralls us, we often tend to neglect the downsides of traveling that might cause an imbalance in our body’s natural equilibrium, otherwise known as jet lag.
While planning a trip, most travelers do not consider the fact that the effects of jet lag may disturb their plans. When you arrive at your destination and your body tries to catch up with the time difference, and align it’s essential functions accordingly, we experience the impact of these changes.
While planning a trip, most travelers do not pay heed to the fact that the effects of jet lag may disturb their plans. When you arrive at your destination and your body tries to catch up with the time difference, and align it’s essential functions accordingly, we experience the impact of these changes.
Preparation and understanding can minimize the impact, however. Before opting for a preventive approach, it is essential to understand what actually jet lag is and what its key symptoms are.
What is Jet Lag?
Also known as time zone change syndrome or desynchronosis, jet lag is a physiological condition that upsets and alters our natural circadian rhythm, and causes an imbalance in the natural body mechanism. The condition is caused when the human body undergoes rapid and long-distance trans-meridian travel. As a consequence, body functions require some time to cope with and adjust to the new circadian cycles and normal routines.
Jet Lag Symptoms
The intensity of jet lag varies in severity, and from person to person. The main symptoms of jet lag include:
- Disturbed sleep cycle, causing prolonged sleepiness, insomnia or untimely waking
- Consistently feeling tired and lethargic
- Nausea
- Disturbed stomach and digestive cycle
- Moodiness and gloom
- Lack of focus, easy distractions
- Disturbed hunger
Treatment for Jet Lag
If you arrive in Hong Kong for a business or pleasure trip and want to be at your best, we do have an effective treatment for jet lag. The IV Vitamin Drip is probably the fastest way to get back to feeling better, and you can call our office to arrange one.
Preventing Jet Lag
Jet lag cannot be absolutely prevented. However, by taking certain proactive measures, you can minimize the effects of jet lag that your body might experience after the flight. Here are some tips for travelers to overcome and cope with the aftereffects of travel, or jet lag.
- Before heading on to your destination, try to adjust your circadian rhythms with the time zones of the destination place. Slight but consistent changes to cope with the time difference, prior to your journey, will help your body adapt to the new time zone without having to suffer from jet lag.
- It is ideal to travel overnight if your journey is long, spanning several hours. You can relax your body through a good night’s sleep on the flight, and when you reach your destination the next morning or afternoon, it will be convenient for your body to perceive the routine as normal.
- Drink lots of water – before, during and after your trip. Increase your intake of water, perhaps with a little fresh juice. Refrain from soda, alcohol and caffeine consumption. The altitude and internal air pressure dehydrates your skin and body. Keep a good moisturizer in your hand carry and also some physician-prescribed eye drops if you use contacts.
- It is ideal to sleep throughout the flight, but do not take pills, especially if you’re not used to it. The aftereffects of tranquilizers or sleeping pills might prevail even after you wake up. Try to distract your mind from the thoughts of traveling or being on a flight, by engaging it in some activities such as reading or listening to soft music.
- Keep yourself fresh and active during the course of the flight. When you are not sleeping, do not snuggle in your seat, or let your body stay in a relaxed and laid back posture through the prolonged flight hours. Take frequent strolls between the aisles and stretch your body.
