How to Naturally Prevent Jet Lag

By Alexis Mills

Traveling to different time zones is exciting, but jet lag can easily ruin the first few days of trips abroad. Figuring out how to adjust can leave you feeling tired whether it is across the country or across the world. If you are going somewhere that is more than a 5-hour difference you should start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your trip.

Flight Tips

Depending on what time you land, whether it will be time for bed or in the middle of the day, will determine what you do on a plane. If you are landing at a time where it's time to go to bed when you get there, do your best to stay awake throughout the flight so you will be tired and can go to bed easier once you get to your hotel. But if it's going to be during the day when you land, it's best to get as much rest on the plane so you don't fall asleep in the middle of the day when you arrive.

Having Trouble Sleeping?

If you can't sleep on the plane or at the hotel, there are many natural ways to help you feel relaxed and ease into sleep, no matter where you are.

Sleeping on a Plane

Taking natural supplements like melatonin and magnesium can help guide you into sleep. Magnesium deficiency can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and sleep disturbances. So, taking a magnesium supplement calms the mind and body. Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces when the sun goes down. So, if you are really having trouble sleeping, melatonin should be your last resort because if you take too much it can leave you feeling groggy. Before using melatonin, you can try use lavender essential oil or try drinking chamomile tea.

Adjusting to Sleep in Hotel

When you first get into the hotel room, turn the temperature down to somewhere between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit to make it an optimal temperature for sleep. Then take a shower to clean off from the flight and lower the core body temperature; it helps the body slow down. Dab some lavender essential oil on your pillow, on wrists, or temples to help you relax into sleep. Drinking chamomile tea also helps calm the body and can work better than prescription medications. Lastly, listening to white noise can drown out any sounds that could prevent you from falling asleep. You can either use an app on your phone for this or get a portable sound machine.

The key to avoiding jet lag is getting on a new sleep schedule and making sure that you are getting sufficient rest. These tips have helped me in the past and minimize the effects of jet lag to help you enjoy your new location as soon as possible.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Oklahoma City, Okla.