Insomnia, irritability, lethargy - these and other unpleasant symptoms are well known to people whose activity is associated with frequent flights. Not everyone knows that this condition has a scientific explanation. In the article you can read the answer to the question of what jetlag is. Effective ways to combat the common syndrome are also given.
What is jetlag, why does it arise
Alarming symptoms are caused by a violation of human biorhythms caused by a perfect flight. Time zones change instantly when a traveler moves with a jet airplane. A similar condition is often observed in people who alternate day and night hours.
What is jetlag? A person gets used to a certain duration of day and night, depending on it, he chooses the time for sleep, eating. During the flight, the internal systems operate in the mode launched at home, are not able to instantly adapt to the new situation. The number of days that are required to adapt are determined individually. Some of them are not at all familiar with such a phenomenon as jetlag; others need a couple of weeks to get rid of it.
Does the syndrome threaten health
The condition caused by the change of belts does not belong to the category of diseases. However, this does not mean that a person should put up with a situation such as a jetlag. Symptoms caused by the syndrome can significantly ruin the rest, complicate the conduct of a business meeting and simply reduce the quality of life, albeit for a short time.
Insomnia, fatigue and nervousness are far from all the painful manifestations a traveler encounters. Many people note a lack of appetite, distraction, memory impairment, and headaches are not excluded. Most often, youth members suffer from jetlag, especially those who belong to the fair sex.
Is it worth grabbing on pills
Currently, medicine does not know drugs that can completely prevent or eliminate the symptoms of the syndrome. However, for those who discover a jetlag, pills will help mitigate its main manifestations. The most famous are Melatonin, Melaxen, among the ingredients of which there is a hormone that “tunes” biorhythms.
The optimal dosage of the drug will be recommended by the doctor, and the feasibility of its use can be discussed with him. In most cases, consuming one tablet for 5 days is enough. Medicines are easily replaced with soothing herbal preparations if a person is not allergic to their components.
What to do before you leave
The dubious recommendation to stay awake during the day before departure has no reason. Those who have to dramatically change time zones, it is important to sleep well. If tolls are associated with experiences, a harmless sedative will help to relax before bedtime.
It is advisable to think in advance of the first actions that will have to be taken while in a foreign country. This approach will help reduce stress. It is also worth discussing with a specialist the regimen of taking medications if a person is undergoing treatment.
What to do in flight
Depends on the flight comfort in many respects whether the traveler will have to find out the answer to the question of what a jetlag is. Be sure to bring a pillow, comfortable shoes. The blindfold and earplugs provide the conditions for complete relaxation on the plane. It is advisable to immediately set the clock for the time of a foreign country, this contributes to a quick mood for it.
Alcohol is the enemy of someone who does not want to meet with belt change syndrome. It is better to abandon alcohol in favor of plain water, drinking it in sufficient quantities. Do not allow dehydration, which creates favorable conditions for the appearance of jetlag. You should not use sleeping pills in flight, this will only worsen the situation.
To sleep or not to sleep? It depends on the direction of the flight. If it comes to traveling to the West, it is advisable to stay awake. The food that supplies the body with protein, for example, eggs, will help to cope with the task. You can’t deal with drowsiness with coffee. If a trip to the East is made, it can be carried out in a dream, having previously been fortified with carbohydrates.
What actions to take on the spot
How to deal with jet lag when the flight ends? Going to bed is not worth it, even if the body is used to sleeping at this time. It is advisable not to allow a night vigil, if necessary, helping yourself to relax with a light sleeping pill. Physical activity at first should be moderate, it is advisable not to allow serious loads.
Fresh air is a natural remedy for a tired body. The more time a person spends in open space, the easier it is for him to overcome the flight syndrome. It is important to refrain from overeating while in a foreign country for the first few days. It is also useful for the prevention of poisoning associated with the use of unusual food. Caffeine is also prohibited, it is recommended to avoid any drinks in which it is present.
Jetlag: can it be prevented
A remedy that gives an absolute guarantee for the prevention of the syndrome does not exist. However, the traveler can help himself by changing the diet and sleep regime several days before the trip. Sudden changes are contraindicated, not more than an hour in one day. Simple actions will greatly simplify the process of adaptation in a foreign country.