Jet lag is a disruption of the body's inner clock, due to an abrupt change of time zone. It is estimated that three travelers out of four experience negative effects linked to time change: sleep disorders (mainly insomnia), mood changes and increased tiredness are the main symptoms. Jet lag seems to be more common on eastbound flights.
Try to have a good night's sleep onboard the plane; if necessary, use an eye-mask, a pillow and earplugs.
Eat a light meal and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
It is recommended to synchronize your watch with the time at your destination as soon as you are on the plane.
It is estimated that the effects of jet lag last as many days as the hours of time difference. Synchronize as soon as possible with the time at your destination, except if your stay is very short (maximum 3 days), by adapting to local sleeping and eating times.
Take care to sleep well, relax and exercise moderately if possible. Avoid taking naps, because they could disturb your sleep cycle.
If you travel towards the west, you will need to delay your sleep cycle. In the morning, wear black glasses; at night, expose yourself to light and try to delay the time you go to sleep.
If you travel towards the east, you need to advance your sleep cycle and increase your alertness in the morning. In order to do that, take a shower rather than a bath, a cool one if possible, and expose yourself to light.
You can also see your doctor to get a prescription for stimulants or sleep medication. Note that the sale of melatonin is not allowed in all countries.
Earthquake might be over but Haiti still need our help!
Here are a few links to organisations providing aid in Haiti:
www.redcross.org
www.helphaitinow.org
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/
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