A new study suggests meal times may have a positive effect on jet lag.
Jet lag is the downside of traveling. I can personally attest to that.
But new research suggests eating at regular times can help reset the body’s internal clock.
Sixty airline crew members took part in a study with the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. They were split into two groups.
On their days off, one group ate regular meals at regular times while the other group didn’t. Participants who ate regular meals were more alert and reported lower levels of jet lag.
When you travel, you often change time zones. Your body is slow to adjust because it prefers to stay on your original biological schedule.
Often your sleep pattern gets changed and you’ll experience jet-lag symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, irritability, and loss of appetite.
There are other steps you can take to help reduce jet leg:
- Adjust Your Schedule Before You Leave. Move your bedtime by one hour each night for several nights prior to your flight.
- Try Light Therapy. It exposes you to artificial bright light which can help ease the transition to a new daylight schedule.
- Drink Plenty of Water. Dehydration worsens jet-lag symptoms. So stay hydrated before, during and after the flight.
- Melatonin or Sleeping Pills Can Help You Sleep
But they may not lesson your jet-lag symptoms. Talk to your doctor first to find what’s right for you.
Question: Does physical fitness affect jet-lag?
You may be surprised to learn that it can affect jet-lag. Studies have found those who are physically fit, eat a well-balanced diet and get enough rest often have fewer or lighter jet-lag symptoms.
