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Jet Lag Cure

Dhanya Joy
It becomes essential to cure jet lag due to the discomfort it causes during or after air travel. This story discusses some techniques to do the same.
Jet lag, medically known as 'desynchronosis', is a sleep disorder that air travelers face while traveling across long distances, especially during transmeridian travel or after traveling across different time zones. It is characterized by a number of symptoms that may end up disrupting your daily routine.
At times, these symptoms could also lead to the development of various health related disorders, and hence, efforts should be made to prevent jet lag rather than to cure it.

Symptoms

Jet lag symptoms can either be mild or severe depending upon the number of time zones traveled. People traveling across three-time zones usually suffer from severe jet lag. The symptoms of this disorder include insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue.
Those suffering from this condition often find it difficult to fall asleep in the night, and are sleepy during the day. Lack of sleep may also lead to depression, irritability, and anxiety. The severity of its symptoms and the duration that it lasts for, differs from person to person, and so does its treatment.

How to Cure Jet Lag

What works as a cure for some, may not work for others, therefore, it will take time to determine the best jet lag remedy for you. It is important to get over jet lag during the travel itself rather than after the symptoms start to set in. Here are some simple cures that you can try.

Hydration

Keeping yourself hydrated is essential before, during, and after traveling. This helps a great deal in preventing and curing jet lag.
Drink plenty of water or fresh fruit juices while and even after traveling. Avoid consuming aerated drinks. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol during or prior to your travel.

Exercise

When you are traveling, try to move around in the plane a few times. This will help you get some exercise and will help in combating the symptoms of this condition.

Adjusting Schedule

This may not be possible for everyone, but if you have a habit of planning your travel in advance, you can follow the time schedule of the place you are planning to visit from a week prior to the travel. This will help you adjust your body clock to a certain extent which will alleviate most of the symptoms.

Sun Exposure

Another well-known cure is to expose yourself to the sun during the day. This helps your body to adjust to the time zone and prevents jet lag.

Melatonin Supplements

Consuming melatonin supplements is known to alleviate and cure jet lag symptoms. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland which aids in the process of human sleep. Melatonin pills are easily available and can be taken to help you fall asleep.

Home Remedies

To alleviate jet lag symptoms, an epsom salt bath prior to bed can be very helpful. Soak yourself in a hot water bath for around half an hour and then go to bed.
Prepare a herbal tea and add a few drops of rosemary oil to it for relief from symptoms like headaches, body aches, and fatigue.
Apart from the cures mentioned earlier, make sure you prepare yourself well for travel and indulge in reading or listening to music while traveling. Try not to sleep during the flight, so you can fall asleep easily once you have reached your destination.