How to Treat and Avoid Jet Lag

Jet lag is a common Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (CRSD). Like other CRSDs, jet lag affects the timing of sleep. It occurs when a person’s body clock is not correctly synchronized with the times cues that it should recognize from its surroundings. Some examples of time cues that our body should recognize are: meal times, sunrise, sunset, and other daily activities that we usually go through. Our body clocks control us more than we realize, and correcting it is very important in order to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Jet lag occurs in people who travel to different time zones. Our body needs time to adjust to a new time zone. For some individuals, jet lag can be very easy to overcome. However, for others, it can take days to be able to recover. Here are some home remedies for the Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder called jet lag, as well as tips on how to avoid it.

Home Remedies for Jet Lag

• Rosemary Oil – mix a few drops of Rosemary Oil with water. This mixture can help your body fight against jet lag.
• Epsom Salt Baths – these salt baths can alleviate fatigue and lethargy, which are symptoms of jet lag.
• Herbal Teas – Chamomile tea, peppermint teat, etc., may be used and are great home remedies that may be used for jet lag. They help calm our body’s nerves and help our bodies cope with change.
• Warm milk with nutmeg and ginger – Mix a pinch of nutmeg and ginger with a cup of milk will also help.

How to Avoid Jet Lag

• Exercise during the flight – doing light stretching during the flight can keep your body active and energetic, which in turn reduces the symptoms of jet lag.
• Set your watch to the local time – even before landing, set your watch to mentally prepare yourself as soon as possible.
• Keep away from alcohol – avoiding alcohol while travelling (and before boarding) can be very helpful in avoiding jet lag.
• Eat according to the local time – help your body adapt to the change by giving it the right cues to adjust to.