Alternative names
Prevention of jet lag

Information

Here are some tips to help prevent jet lag:

 
• Maintain a sensible bedtime schedule prior to your trip. Don’t avoid sleeping in order to make yourself tired.  
• Consider going to bed earlier for a couple of nights before leaving if you are traveling east. Go to bed later for a couple of nights if you are traveling west.  
• For short trips, maintain a schedule of eating and sleeping at your usual time, if possible, while at your destination.  
• Drink plenty of liquids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.  
• If you exercise regularly, continue to do so at your destination. Avoid exercising late in the evening because it can keep you awake.  
• For important events or meetings at your destination, try to arrive in advance to have time to adjust to the time difference.  
• Melatonin, a hormone sold in supplement form at health food stores, may help decrease jet lag. Try taking 1-3 milligrams of melatonin at bedtime for several days once you arrive at your destination.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.