Perhaps you’re flying coast to coast, or maybe your journey is more international, even if you’re just heading down to Palm Springs to catch some sun, jet lag can have an impact on even the shortest of journeys. And while it’s true flying west will help stave off the inevitable feelings of fatigue, making those meetings in California a bit more bearable, there are things you can do before, during, and after your flight that will have you beating jet lag every time.
We all know that travelling is exhausting, but jet lag takes that exhaustion up a notch. Not only does jet lag cause that weary feeling, it can have some flu-like symptoms too. From headaches and nausea, to shivering, some people even suffer gastrointestinal problems.
You may notice that for a few days your sleep may be disturbed, and you may suffer from insomnia, this may further affect your jet lag recovery.
Jet lag occurs when we travel over more than one time zone, and our body clock is out of sync with our new destination. Because our sleep-wake cycles rely on sunlight, if we travel to a destination that is in darkness when we would normally be experiencing daylight, it takes a while for us to adapt to the changes.
In addition, humidity levels on planes tend to be lower, which can leave you feeling dehydrated, which may also contribute to some jet lag symptoms. Drinking plenty of water will easily combat this feeling.
You may have discovered that it’s harder to fly east, because you ‘lose time’, compared to flying west, where you gain it back. But regardless of whether you’re flying to Asia or Europe, there are some simple things you can do, to reduce your jet lag.
A few days before your flight try to adjust your eating patterns to fit your destination. This may mean eating breakfast in the evening, but it will be worth it when you’re able to fire on all cylinders on arrival.
As tempting as it can be to have that shot of espresso, try to avoid any drinks that contain caffeine, as this can prevent you from catching some much-needed shuteye. That’s the same for alcohol. While it may take the edge off if you’re a nervous flier, drinking on your flight can cause you to become dehydrated, causing headaches and potentially nausea.
As soon as you’ve strapped yourself in, set your clock for your destination. This will help you on your flight become accustomed to your new time zone.
When you’re on your flight try and get as much sleep as you normally would in a 24-hour period. Of course, when you fly with VistaJet you’ll have your very own bed to help get a restful night.
Try choosing a flight time that arrives in daylight. This will help stave off the temptation to take a nap. Of course, if you really must get your head down, make sure you set an alarm so you’re not asleep for more than 20 minutes.
Taking melatonin tablets can help induce sleep, so taking some the first few nights will help your internal body clock adjust to the new time zone.
Aside from the obvious benefits of flying private, like comfort and superior service, you may also find that jet lag is much easier to beat when you fly private. This is because staff operate to your schedule, not the airline’s. So, if you’re ready to hit the hay, the lights can be dimmed, and the bed turned down. And when you’re ready for your delicious and nutritious meals, they’ll be served to you in no time too.
If you’re ready to discover the joys of private flights, become a member today, and reignite your passion for global travel.
