Natural Remedy to Conquer Jet Lag
Jet Lag, or “Desynchronosis” as it’s known in the medical world, can simply be defined as a sleep disorder. This sleep disorder is the result of a speedy change in the time zones in which a person enters into. When a person moves or jets into different time zones, their internal clock doesn’t readjust.
To better illustrate this, let’s say you leave the airport in your hometown of Sydney, Australia at 6 o’clock in the morning. You fly for twenty-hours and across different time zones to reach Paris. When you finally reach your destination, your internal clock tells you its 6AM. But, the clocks in Paris read 11 o’clock at night. If you’re internal clock is used to waking you up at 6AM, let’s say, then you’re probably ready to get going. However, in Paris, it’s bedtime, time to settle down for the night. So, your body is out of “sync” with your new environment.
The most common symptom of Jet Lag is insomnia. A sufferer may also experience drowsiness during the daytime hours. There may also be nausea, headaches, and pain and swelling in the feet and legs. (The latter two symptoms are moreso causes of being cramped up inside an airplane for several hours.)
One of the key natural remedies to conquer Jet Lag is to get a full night’s sleep before you leave on your trip. If you’re already suffering from sleep deprivation before you board the plane, the time changes and the disruption in your body’s internal clock will be worse.
Another effective natural remedy for Jet Lag is to use the sun to help adjust your internal clock. If you arrive at your destination in the daylight hours, you should spend as much time as possible in the sunlight in order to get your body going.
Melatonin is another remedy that’s used by “time-zone travelers”. This hormone is naturally produced by the pineal gland in the body. The pineal gland gets its cue from the hypothalamus, which, in turn, works depending on the amount of light that a person’s eyes receive. That’s how Melantonin can help reset a person’s internal clock.
Melatonin capsules can be found at your local drugstore. You don’t need a prescription to buy this natural hormone in the United States. The capsules are usually available in 1 or 3 milligram doses. The directions recommend taking one capsule before bedtime. If you choose to take this remedy to stop Jet Lag, you can consult with your healthcare professional on the proper amount you should take.
In addition to trying these natural remedies, you should also drink plenty of water in order to conquer Jet Lag. Water keeps your body hydrated and working properly. Get plenty of exercise too. When you’re on the airplane, get up and walk around to get the circulation going so your feet and legs won’t swell up, or at least as much.
And finally, if you’re taking a night flight, and you want to sleep some of the time the airplane’s in the air, reserve a window seat so you won’t be bothered by fellow passengers crawling over you.
