Don’t you think that the idea of visiting distant countries across the globe is exciting? Journeys to far-flung destinations are always interesting. However, they are also associated with a very unpleasant side-effect—Jet Lag! Jet lag can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and miserable. It robs you of the fun of being in a new place by affecting your overall well-being and productivity.
However, the good news is that you can beat jet lag with a simple strategy. Before we look at this effective way to overcome jet lag, let us find out what causes it in the first place.
What causes jet lag?
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that is caused by travel across multiple time zones. It happens because your body cannot automatically adjust to sudden differences in time at a new place.
Even when you are physically in a new place, your biological clock continues to operate in the previous time zone. As a result, you will feel sleepy, alert or hungry at odd times at your present location.
Your body can take several days to get accustomed to the new time zone. Till then, you will have to endure the uncomfortable side-effects of jet lag.
Effects of jet lag
Jet lag causes the following symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Daytime sleepiness
- Inability to concentrate
- Mood changes
- General fatigue
- Gastro-intestinal problems
- Changes in appetite
These symptoms will gradually subside as your body gets used to the new environment. However, they cause severe discomfort while they exist.
Fortunately, there is a very effective solution to combat jet lag—a good alarm clock!
The simple, but effective solution to jet lag — your alarm clock
You cannot change your sleep habits overnight. But you can slowly and consistently condition your body for a new routine before you start your journey.
A reliable alarm clock is a valuable tool to enable this transition. It will train your body to adjust to new sleep patterns that suit the timings at your destination.
For this method to work, you should begin the process at least a week before your journey.
Go to bed one hour earlier or later than usual based on whether you are traveling east or west. Also, set your alarm clock to ring one hour earlier or later than usual the next morning.
For best results, choose an energizing and refreshing alarm tone that will awaken you instantly.
Over the next few days, continue to move your bedtime in half-an-hour to one-hour increments.
This will help your body slowly adapt to a different schedule.
Switch to local sleep and meal schedules as soon as you arrive at your destination.
If you feel sleepy during the day, allow yourself short power naps of 20 minutes.
Once again, use your trusty alarm clock to wake up feeling refreshed and alert.
With these steps, you will have adjusted to the new time zone in no time at all.
Jet lag can interfere and even spoil your time away from home.
So, conquer this condition with a simple alarm clock and make every minute away from home count.