How to overcome jet lag

Jet lag can be the ultimate bummer after a nice, relaxing trip. If you travel often, you probably experience jet lag on the regular. There are ways to overcome jet lag and train your body to get back into your daily routine. Jet lag is a series of symptoms that occur when your body's internal clock is off. All of our bodies have a built-in clock. It's a small group of cells made up of unique 'body clock' genes, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN. These cells turn on and off and tell other parts of the body what time it is and what to do.

Dr. Smith L. Johnston, chief of the fatigue management team at NASA, claims it takes about a day for our bodies to shift just one time zone. If you’re traveling between multiple time zones, your body is working in overtime to figure out which time zone you’re actually in! Here are a few effective ways to overcome jet lag:

1) Adjust your schedule before you leave

If you’re an avid traveler, you are probably prepared to leave a good week before your departure. Don’t be afraid to take an extra day or two of rest before leaving. Allow your body to full relax before it undergoes the stressful task of adjusting to a new time zone. If you are one to have a very rigid routine, try giving yourself a break and

2) Set your clock

When you get onto the plane, set your watch to your destinations’ time. Set yourself up for success by aligning yourself with the correct time zone so you can plan everything from your meal time to bedtime with the correct time.

3) Adjust your light exposure

Yes, exposure to light can have a powerful effect on your sleep! Sometimes it comes down the lightbulb you choose. Red wavelengths are known to provide a more restful sleep. Specialized photosensitive cells called ipRGC’s are located in the retina of our eyes. These cells are able to detect any light and send messages to a part of the brain that helps regulate the body’s circadian clock. [1] Try installing a red or pink light bulb. Here’s a little secret: avoid blue lights. Blue lights will surely keep you from a restful sleep!

4) Stay at home

While you may have a hard time justifying staying home from work, staying home when you return home from a trip will really benefit your jet lag recovery time. While you’re at home, find the sun. Sun naturally helps your body adjust to the time zone so you aren’t confusing your nights with your days. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you’re tired, sleep.

Whether you’re traveling through one time zone or three, you’re now ready to travel the world and return peacefully to your designated time zone.

5) Try ReBloom for better sleep

ReBloom is an all natural, non-habit forming sleep drink designed to help you get to sleep. Their all natural ingredient list includes the root of a flowering plant that can improve your ability to fall asleep. Magnesium can help adjust your stress hormone, cortisol, so that you fall asleep faster. Each drink comes equipped with melatonin to help reset your bodies internal clock. Travel often? ReBloom offers subscription services for their 7, 14 or 28 day pack.

Now that you are ready to combat Jet Lag, it’s time to Travel!  Visit Acanela Expeditions, and start planning your trip to one of the 80+ countries on their destination list!