News

The Jet Lag Juggle: Tips For Arriving At New Time Zones Feeling Refreshed Instead Of Fatigued

That first breath of air in a new city — exotic and unfamiliar — feels exhilarating. But behind the excitement (yaaaawn) lurks jet lag. One minute, you’re wide awake and eager to explore; the next, you’re face-planting into your lunch because your body thinks it’s 3 a.m.

Ready to show up to your destination feeling refreshed? Here’s how to reset your system and maximize your travels.
 

What is Jet Lag?

Our circadian rhythm dictates our sleep and wake cycles. But when you cross multiple time zones, you’re essentially time traveling, which throws off your internal clock, explains Dr. Melissa O’Meara, internal medicine physician at Colorado Mountain Medical in Vail, Colorado.

Jet lag hits hardest when traveling from east to west because you’re “losing” hours. Imagine trying to squeeze a 30-hour day into a 24-hour window — it’s not ideal. But head west to east? That’s a different story. After all, who wouldn’t relish an extra few hours of sleep?
 

Resetting Your Circadian Rhythm

Sleep is your secret weapon for recalibrating your system. “My best advice is to sleep on the plane,” O’Meara says. That’s easier said than done in a cramped, noisy cabin, but there are ways to trick your body into thinking it’s bedtime.

Read the full story >