Travel Tips

10 Tips to Outsmart Jet Lag

By Elizabeth Thorn July 23, 2023
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Are you excited to travel but worried about jet lag? You won’t lose any more sleep or feel groggy in the mornings when you check out our 10 best tips for beating jet lag!

Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Before Your Trip

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To help reduce east or west coast jet lag, travelers can preemptively adjust their sleep schedule to the destination’s time zone. This can be accomplished by waking up and going to bed about one hour in advance on east coast trips. In contrast to east coast trips, travelers can stay up about one hour later for west coast trips.

Stay Hydrated Before and During Your Flight

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Dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag. Make sure to stay hydrated before and during the flight. Drink lots of water. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you further.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine on the Plane

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Alcohol on Flight

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If possible, steer clear of both alcohol and caffeine. These substances can increase the difficulty of both falling and staying asleep on the plane. Consider staying hydrated and feeling refreshed on the flight by drinking water, herbal tea, or fruit juice.

Move Around During Your Flight and Stretch Regularly

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Walking on Airplane

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Older travelers might face circulatory and muscular stiffness issues from sitting in place for extended time on flights. It is best to move about the cabin as much as you can, and do leg stretches and other gentle exercises to keep blood flowing.

Take Melatonin Supplements to Help Regulate Your Sleep Cycle

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Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a role in regulating sleep cycles. To help your body adjust to a new time zone, it helps to take supplements before your trip. The supplements will help you easily adjust to your new sleep schedule at your destination.

Use Light to Reset Your Body Clock

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Bright light is a strong cue for your body to adjust its internally maintained schedule. Consider using bright light therapy or try to spend some time outside in bright light in the morning when you have to adjust to a new time zone.

Eat Light and Healthy Meals

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Airplane Food

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Traveling can already make you feel sluggish, in addition to fueling your body with heavy, greasy foods, you may want to consider opting for lighter, healthier choices that will make you feel less weighed down. Prioritize lighter meals that are filled with nutrients and energy to keep you going on your travels, and make the process a little easier to put up with.

Keep Naps Short

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Napping on Flight

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A short nap can help you recharge your batteries and fight off fatigue. Just be sure to keep your nap short (less than 30 minutes) so you don’t mess up your sleep schedule.

Take Advantage of Natural Remedies

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Essential Oils Aromatherapy

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Some natural remedies include aromatherapy, certain herbal teas, and essential oils. Natural remedies can aid in overcoming jet leg. Experiment with various remedies and see what works best for you.

Get Outside and Get Some Exercise

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The best idea when you get to your destination is to step outside for some fresh air and some physical activity as this helps you adjust to the new time zone. It also helps you feel more awake.

11 Day Trips From Reno: Desert Stops For Everyone To Enjoy

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Lake Tahoe

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If you are organizing a day trip from Reno, Nevada, you may be wondering what options you have. From skiing at Mount Rose to soaking at Steamboat Hot Springs, Reno day trip options have something for everyone. The Sierra Nevada mountains offer countless opportunities for day trips; adventure awaits!

Fly-Fishing, Skiing, Hiking, and Much More: 10 Montana Vacation Spots

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Yellowstone

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If you are seeking an outdoor experience in the state most commonly referred to as Big Sky Country, this article is going to give you the best places to visit in Montana. From the famous geysers of Yellowstone National Park to the stunning views of Glacier National Park and the skiing and white water rafting in Bozeman, there is something for everyone. Grab your bags for a trip to the Montana wilderness with abundant wildlife and spectacular national parks.

Best 16 Utah Vacation Spots

Arches National Park

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If you want to try something different and enjoy the mountain views, Utah is the perfect vacation spot. In this article, we will discuss unique places to visit in Utah, such as Zion National Park, the Homestead Crater, and others. In Utah, you can enjoy hiking, skiing, or even soaking in a hot spring! Come and enjoy the awesome views, as well as the variety of fun activities that Utah has to offer.

10 National Parks To Skip If You Have Young Children

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If you are thinking about going on a trip to the national parks with small kids, read this article! It lists the top 10 national parks to avoid with young kids, including Denali National Park, and Isle Royale National Park. From these parks, you can learn about the dangers and obstacles of visiting them with small kids.

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