Sleeping Through Time Zones – Time Travel Like Pro

For many of us in the modern world, long distance travel is not only a common part of everyday life but an exciting one too. Whether you’re flying for a meeting or an exotic holiday, air travel is an opportunity to experience new cultures, countries and cuisines.

However, while travelling through time zones can be fun and rewarding, it can also be taxing; and all this disruption to your nocturnal routine can result in jetlag. So, in this post, we offer a few tips on how you can avoid this unwanted side effect and enjoy your travel to the fullest.

What Is Jetlag?

Jetlag is a condition that can occur as a result of a sudden change in sleep routine, such as when flying through time zones. It can be pretty unpleasant, with symptoms including severe fatigue, insomnia and headaches.

So, how can you beat it?

First let’s take a quick look at what jetlag is.

Overcoming Jetlag

Beating jetlag isn’t always easy; but it can be done.

Typically, we inform our body that sleep is coming with timing cues, such as a regular bed time. However, when time itself is changing around you, you need to vary your approach and instead use environmental cues to help your body recognise it’s time to sleep.

Unfamiliar surroundings on the first night can make it difficult to sleep. So, to overcome first night syndrome and any subsequent knock on effects, take a comfortable pillow and, if you’re travelling alone, carry on your person some family photos so that you feel at home.

Meanwhile, to overcome significant time zone changes, there are two options:

• If you are staying in your destination for fewer than four days, remain on your usual time. If you feel tired, catch up with naps of 40 minutes or shorter.
• If your going to be there for more than four days, try to prepare for your new time zone in the days building up to your flight. For instance, if you’re due west, start going to bed a bit later than you normally would; whereas if you’re travelling east, do the opposite.

You should also try to optimise your sleep before you travel: avoid caffeine up to six hours before bed and intense exercise up to two. It’s also essential to ensure you’re sleeping on a bed that’s right for you.

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