'Helps cue your body': Do this when you board a plane to avoid jet lag
We've all heard a list of things you should do during a flight to help starve off the much-hated jet lag.
But a sleep expert has shared that the most effective jet-lag prevention actually starts from the moment you step on board a sleep (or even better, before you even leave home).
At its worst, jet lag can leave you feeling sick, exhausted, and mentally off-balance, but can be avoided with the right preparation.
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Stopping jet lag starts with your watch. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Christine Lapp, a sleep researcher at SleepJunkie.com, has revealed that travellers should try to commit to a local schedule at your destination as soon as possible.
Jet lag worsens when travellers follow their home routine instead of adapting immediately, she explained.
"Set your watch to local time the moment you board," she said.
"After landing, try to stay awake until a reasonable local bedtime, and avoid naps that make it harder to adjust."
She also said when you eat will make a difference.
"Eating at local mealtimes helps cue your body to the new time zone," she added.
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Try not to nap until an appropriate bedtime. Getty
If you really want to get ahead of the game Christine said you should try and shift your sleep before you even fly.
Adjusting your sleep schedule by an hour or two each day helps your circadian rhythm begin aligning with your destination, she explained.
"When flying east, gradually go to bed earlier. When flying west, move bedtime later," she said.
"The closer your sleep schedule is to the local time upon landing, the less shock your body experiences."
Even small shifts, such as 30 to 60 minutes, can significantly reduce symptoms.
Once you land you should also make sure to get outside asap. Getty
It comes after another expert warned of a common mistake to avoid when you land at your destination.
Speaking to 9Travel previously, self-proclaimed Jet Lag Guy, Dr Steve Jasper said it is important to get out into the sunlight as soon as you can.
"Even if it's overcast, get out the sun," Dr Steve told us.
"If I was flying west to Europe, the afternoon sun is more important because that's when I'm going to get sleepy. If you're flying east, it's the morning sun that you need."
