Beating jetlag

Long-distance air travel often brings with it the unwelcome companion of jetlag, that groggy state when the body clock refuses to adjust to a new time zone. It is the result of a mismatch between your internal rhythm and the external environment. While some travellers shrug it off in a day or two, others find it spoils the first part of their trip. Overcoming jetlag requires a bit of planning, awareness, and patience with your body’s natural limits.

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The first step towards managing jetlag begins before the plane even leaves the ground. Preparing your body for the upcoming change can make a big difference. Travellers heading east, for instance, are advised to gradually go to bed earlier for a few days, while those flying west can do the opposite. This gentle adjustment can help the internal clock shift more smoothly once you land. Maintaining good hydration before, during, and after the flight also matters. Air travel tends to dehydrate the body, which can worsen fatigue and confusion. Drinking water and avoiding alcohol or excessive caffeine can help you arrive feeling fresher.

Once in the air, sleep becomes both a challenge and an opportunity. It helps to align rest with the destination’s time zone rather than your point of departure. Sleeping at the right time during the flight can reduce the impact of the time difference upon arrival.