retrocreation

As we knew perhaps jetlag is the culprit. Crossing time zones while you travel is just one of the causes. Some advance knowledge and preparation can result in a more enjoyable trip.

PRIMARY CAUSES OF JET LAG

* Crossing two or more time zones: This is worse on eastbound flights because you have to adjust to an earlier schedule.
* Lack of sleep before you travel.
* Physical exhaustion from doing too much too quickly just before you leave.
* Dehydration: Aircraft air is very dry. Drink plenty of water (not soda, coffee or tea). Some people take their own bottled mineral water with them.
* Disruption of the body's normal wake/sleep schedule (circadian rhythm).
* Alcohol consumption: Alcohol contributes to dehydration. At altitude, effects of alcohol are magnified several times.
* Stale air: Aircraft air is not as oxygenated as outside air. It also contains odors and minute particles emanating from passengers, crew, luggage and the aircraft.
* Inactivity and lack of exercises.
* Climate change.

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF JET LAG

* Slow reflexes - especially dangerous while driving!
* Sluggish thought processes - resulting in poor decisions (don't propose a lady!)
* Sleep disturbances
* Poor appetite
* Headaches
* Sinus irritation
* Gastrointestinal upset caused by unfamiliar food and water
* Fatigue
* Anxiety
* Disorientation
* Irritability
* Swollen extremities (especially feet and lower legs)
* Sweating

COPING WITH JET LAG

* Acclimate yourself before you leave. If practical and possible, schedule your alarm clock and meals for the new time zone a day or two ahead of time.
* Don't leave all your packing until the last minute.
* Make sure you get a good night's sleep before your departure.
* Choose appropriate flights so that you can arrive well in advance for activities like business meetings. Aim for daytime flying (in both directions).
* Set your watch to the new time zone as soon as you board the plane.
* Stay on schedule with medications.
* Drink plenty of bottled (not local) mineral water.
* Avoid salad or foods that may have been rinsed in local water. This will help to prevent diarrhea - which can contribute to dehydration.
* Avoid aphrodisiac foods ( since you'll gettin' disoriented later )
* Get up and move around instead of sitting in your seat for long periods of time.
* Wear shoes a half size larger to accommodate swelling feet.
* Once you arrive, don't spend all day cooped up indoors. Get out in the sun and fresh air.
* Take a hot shower before going to bed. This helps to re-tune your body's circadian temperature rhythm. The drop in temperature after you get out of the shower will make you start to feel drowsy.
* Schedule appointments when you are most likely to be rested.

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT

* Recovery time, as a rule of thumb, takes about one day per time zone crossed.
* Some people are more adaptable than others and exhibit very few jet lag symptoms. Children almost always fare better than adults.
* The more 'laid back' you are about schedules and daily routines, the more likely you are to cope well with jet lag.