How to Avoid Jet Lag?

[Lucy]

Does anyone have any tricks or tips on how to avoid some serious jet lag? I know you can't totally blow past it, but I don't have time on my trip to be tired for very long. Any info helps!

[LHR02]

In thie 'Pre-travel Planning' forum on this site (the first one on the page) about half way down is a discussion we just had about this very topic! Look there for some ideas.

ging

[peterW]

Tempted to say "dont't Fly!" but I guess that ain't too helpful. This is the Thread that has the discussion on the point.

[LHR02]

No....actually that is not at all the thread I was directing you to. If it works >keeping fingers crossed< this is:

pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&n=1&thread=2346

ging

[rezkalla]

There's a drug out called Provigil which is FDA approved for narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. It's used off-label by doctors who are post call (and without sleep for over 24 hours) and for jet lag. You need a perscription so talk to your doctor. Check out...

www.modafinil.com/article/jetlag.html

www.drugs.com/PDR/Provigil_Tablets.html

[LovinEurope]

sleep on the plane (best u can) then the next morning when u arrive at ur destination haul ur ass around no matter how tired u are and then pack it in early(8pm) and get up with the sun and ur set to everyone else in the country...works for me

[mick]

yeah, i agree. no matter how tired and run down you are on that first day, you've gotta push through. Set an alarm to wake you at your waking time so you don't sleep till lunch, otherwise you'll be behind another day again.
no alchohol on the plane (damn!) and plenty of water helps too. drink too much water, and your legs get the stretch they need on those long flights to. (im from australia, so it's a 20 hour flight to london)

[Jimbo]

30 hours and 9 hours difference in time zones. Slept on the second flight and worked on the time zone I was arriving in. Worked out just fine. As for no alcohol it is free so had a few. Definately got to stay awake your first day you arrive.

[surfsidecutie]

My stepdad travels all over the world for business and he told me that if I sleep on the plane and don't drink any alcohol on the plane, it will definitely minimize the effects of jet lag.

[LHR02]

And he is surely right. But add to that....do not take a nap when you arrive! Whatever it takes, stay awake that first day till 'bed time' their time and you will wake ready to go!

[starprincess]

So if you just sleep on the plane will that accustom your body to the new time zone?
Or is it not as simple as that?

[Aspasia p]

I dont recomend Provigil for Jetlag. Provigil is used for narcolepsia and for people that have daily somnolency and that have the mind busy (ie, students before an exam) but for traveling, is not worth the side effects, interactions (speccially for alcohol). I have used Provigil in my exams period, but i wouldn't use it in travelling, when mind has to be relaxed and not over-stimulated. (btw, I study medicine

[Eagle]

One more suggestion.......

The owners of one of our local travel / luggage stores apparently use a product called "No Jet Lag", and swear that it works well. It's also recommended and sold by Magellan's. I've never tried it but am thinking of giving it a shot on my next trip (it would be an inexpensive experiment, and at least I'll know if it works for me -- it's apparently "all natural" so probably won't do me any harm).

Here's the link for those that are interested - www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Jet_Lag_PreventionIF398?Args=

Happy travels!!!