Do you plan on going away this summer? If you’re looking to travel to a long-haul destination then you might want to make note of this.
With over half of Britons jetting off abroad this summer, according to a recent YouGov, jet lag can surely dampen the fun of the trip.
Searches for ‘how to get over jet lag’ have increased by 12 percent in the past week alone. So it seems you’re not the only one struggling with jet lag.
To help, flight attendant Maddison Purdy spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk and shared her top tips for beating jet lag in a bid to ensure you feel fresh and your body adjusts to the new time zone with ease.
Brush your teeth
A common tip among flight crew is to brush your teeth. She said: “The mint in the toothpaste can provide an invigorating sensation, giving you a quick burst of energy and temporarily fighting off fatigue.”
Adjust your phone’s blue light settings
Purdy said: “One of the primary causes of jet lag is the disruption of your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. To counteract this, we recommend changing the settings on your phone to automatically switch off the blue light after a certain time.
“Blue light, similar to natural daylight, tricks your eyes into staying awake, hindering your ability to wind down to a restful sleep.”
Wear sunglasses upon arrival
If your destination is ahead of your body’s time zone, wearing sunglasses upon arrival can be a clever hack to block out excessive daylight exposure.
The flight attendant explained: “Flight crews always suggest donning sunglasses during your journey from the airport to your accommodation to help your body adjust to the local time and ease into a more relaxed state without straining your eyes.”
Gradually adjust your sleep schedule
“When travelling east, it is often the time difference that presents the most significant challenge for combating jet lag”, Purdy said.
“To prepare your body for the shift, adopt a gradual approach. Start adjusting your sleep schedule one week before your trip by going to bed an hour earlier each night. This pre-emptive step will make the time adjustment smoother and help you feel more refreshed upon arrival.”
Nourish with light snacks
The pro advised: “During instances when you need to stay awake a little longer, especially when the clocks go back, we recommend having a light snack.
“Some travellers might be hesitant to eat during the nighttime of their home country, but it’s important to remember that food is fuel. A light snack can provide a much-needed energy boost and keep you alert during extended periods of wakefulness.”
Gel eye patches for revived eyes
Travelling can take a toll on your eyes, leaving them feeling tired and dehydrated. However, Flight attendants swear by gel eye patches as an effective remedy.
Purdy said: “These patches combat tired eyes and help rehydrate the delicate skin around the eyes, leaving you looking and feeling refreshed.”
Take short naps strategically
Napping can be tempting, especially if you are feeling fatigued after a long flight. However, taking long naps or napping at the wrong time can disrupt your sleep schedule even further so as soon as you arrive adjust to the local time.
Finally Purdy recommended: “Opt for short power naps (20-30 mins) to recharge without interfering with your nighttime sleep.”