GET SET TO BEAT JET LAG

GET SET TO BEAT JET LAG

Specific measures
• Medications: A drug called Melatonin is popular in the treatment of jet lag. This is best taken after consulting a doctor. Use of sleeping pills is controversial � some people do well with a short-term hypnotic agent, but more often than not, these medications leave you drowsy. They can aggravate headaches and dry mouths depending on the type of pills.
• Diet: There is a special diet which many people have tried with good results. It is a form of alternating a carbohydrate-and-fat-rich diet, which is soporific, with periods of fasting or eating small amounts of a high-protein diet. This has to be started at least 5 days prior to your travel, if this works, it is safe and effective.
• Light therapy: Bright light helps the body in suppressing somnolence. So, make sure that when you wake up at your destination, you are exposed to bright light. If you are traveling in winter, especially to Europe, it may not be very bright when you wake up.
• Prepone your sleep time by 1 hour every night for 2-3 nights prior to your flight if flying eastward, and postpone it, if flying westward.
If your business is taking you places or even if you are just taking a vacation, jet lag can affect your health.
Follow these simple guidelines to keep yourself in good physical and mental health while maintaining your jet-setting lifestyle.