If you’re going on a business trip or a vacation, or if you want to make the most of the few days you have there, or if you simply want to be in good shape for an important meeting, then you need to be prepared!
Crossing several time zones can lead to insomnia and a tendency to sleep during the day. The body needs several days to readjust to the new time zone.
Here are a few tips to help you control the negative effects of jet lag.
Arriving in shape
Several preventive measures can be taken to minimize the effects of jet lag on the body:
Vacations
- Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the trip.
- Avoid excessive consumption of stimulants: coffee, tobacco, alcohol.
- Ideally, choose a night flight if you hope to sleep on the plane.
- Try to arrive at your destination at the end of the day, as it’s easier to pick up the pace.
- Stagger mealtimes/sleeptimes by quarter-hour the week before departure:
- Eastward – Eat and go to bed earlier than usual
- Heading West – Eating and going to bed later than usual
Business travel
Schedule your meetings for Monday and leave on Saturday to have a day of acclimatization.
The right conditions on the plane
To arrive in good conditions, you need to gain hours of sleep on the plane. For this, it is better to :
- Bring something to fight noise and light
- Dress appropriately and comfortably
Once on site
Get on schedule as quickly as possible. If you arrive during the day, wait well into the evening before going to bed.
The first night is important: go to bed early, in the dark and avoid meals that are too heavy in carbohydrates.
For even greater peace of mind, don’t forget to take out travel insurance. Your nights will be better if you know you’re well protected.
