How to get over jet lag
For us at GLO, 2024 is the year we're totally embracing travel and exploring new places but as self-confessed sleep lovers, jet lag is something we want to avoid as much as possible! Ahead of some big trips we've done the research for you…keep scrolling to see the experts' top tips on how to prepare for and get over jet lag.
Jet lag happens when we travel across time zones and I'm sure we all know that horrid feeling of being a bit out of whack ~ from not being able to sleep (or wanting to fall asleep immediately) to feeling a bit groggy, moody, nauseous, bloated and experiencing changes in appetite, the feeling of jet lag is not fun at all!
But what is jet lag?
It is a disconnect between our internal clock (known as our circadian rhythm) and the external environment ~ when we travel, our internal clock stays on the time we've just departed from, which then dictates when we want to eat, sleep and move. So the key to getting over jet lag is getting your circadian rhythm aligned with the sunrise and sunset schedule of your new destination.
1. Natural Light Exposure
Light exposure is one of the best ways to speed up the process of acclimatising to your new time zone ~ so depending on which way you travel, you will want to be getting or avoiding light.
If like Molly you're heading West and going backwards in time, getting outside into natural light as soon as you land is key, but if you're travelling East and it is time to sleep at your destination, avoiding bright indoor lights and those from our screens will help you adjust to the later time zone.
This is also when our top sleep tips come in handy: a dark room and an eye mask ~ the darkness is what stimulates our brains to produce melatonin (our sleep hormone) and so the more we can do to support this, the better.
2. Change The Time On Your Phone
Once you're through security, experts recommend switching the time on your phone to your destination's time ~ this way, your brain starts to switch to the new time zone even before you have landed. This also means that you can start eating and sleeping on the new time while you're on the plane to avoid it being a shock when you land.
Particularly if it's nighttime at your destination while you're flying, try and sleep on the plane ~ pack your AirPods, a silk eye mask and some cashmere socks to make it a little more comfortable too.
3. Stay Hydrated
Long-haul flights are known for causing dehydration and bloating, but we're here to remind you that staying hydrated is so important to help manage jet lag symptoms, bloating and general travel fatigue.
We at GLO love taking our own water bottle (hello Stanley cups) with a few slices of lemon that we can then fill up once we're through security…for extra points, a travel bottle of electrolytes is FAB!
4. Add In Some Exercise
Studies have shown that there is a beneficial link between exercise and jet lag ~ this is more likely due to the fact that exercise is a natural stimulant and so if you are looking to stay awake when you land, going on a walk, doing some pilates or a gentle yoga flow can be a great way to feel a little brighter! If you suffer with bloating after a flight too, a few twisted stretches or seated poses are perfect to get everything moving again.
