Nobody is safe from getting jet lag. Everyone, even flight crews (pilots and cabin crews) can even still suffer from jet lag, a type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder. According to studies, as much as 94% of all travelers by air can experience and suffer some form of jet lag. Seniors are not even safe from jet lag. In fact, they are more prone to jet lag, since there circadian rhythm has already changed due to the normal process of aging through hormonal changes. Seniors should be more careful when traveling across opposite time zones, for they are more vulnerable and their overall health can easily get affected with jet lag.

Jet Lag Symptoms

Symptoms of jet lag may vary from one person to another. In fact there are about 15 or more symptoms that are associated with jet lag. Here are some of the common symptoms of jet lag:

• Insomnia
• Parasomnia
• Fatigue
• Disorientation
• Edema (swelling of the extremities)
• Headaches
• Digestive Problems
• Daytime Sleepiness

5 Easy Tips on How to Fight Jet Lag

Since jet lag happens to people who travel across opposite time zones, helping the body’s circadian rhythm adjust to the new time zone quickly can help in fighting jet lag through natural remedies and/or herbal remedies for jet lag. Here are some easy tips on how to help the circadian rhythm adjust to the new time zone:

1. Slowly adjust your sleeping pattern or schedule until it can match to the time zone of your destination. You can slowly adjust one hour every day your sleeping time, days before you go on a trip. By doing so, it can help in preventing jet lag during travel.
2. By simply adjusting your watch at the beginning of your flight can help in fighting jet lag. Sometimes, jet lag will only be psychological, meaning, if you adjust your watch, you will be oriented with the new time zone, making it easier for your circadian rhythm to get adjusted.
3. One of the leading causes of jet lag is dehydration. Keeping yourself hydrated before, during, and after your flight can help in fighting jet lag. Dehydration will not only cause jet lag, it can also make symptoms of jet lag worse.
4. Avoid drinking any sources of caffeine before, during, and after the flight. Caffeine can further alter your circadian rhythm and it can also cause dehydration. Caffeine sources include coffee, soda, and tea.
5. If you are still on the plane during nightime or your bedtime according to your destination, sleep on the plane. And if it still daytime on your destination, avoid sleeping. This will help your body adjust to the new time zone quickly.