I Want to Travel but I Need Sleep: Tips for Dealing with Jetlag

Traveling is probably one of the best experiences one can get in one’ lifetime – visiting a different country, experiencing a new culture and lifestyle, tasting new food, seeing new and beautiful sights – what is not to love? But what frequent travelers do not show on their Instagram posts is the hassle of getting sleep when they cross time zones. Traveling is awesome but jet lag can also put a damper on your high spirits.                                           

What is jetlag?

Jet lag happens when you fly across time zones – the more time zones you cross, the worse the jet lag can be. It does not matter how often you travel, how old you are, or how fit you are – jet lag happens to anyone. Jet lag makes it hard for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, or stay awake during the day and it usually gets better 3 to 4 days after your flight CBD Oil for Sleep . 

So, how can you deal with jet lag? Here are some tips that you can do before your flight, during your flight, and after your flight to help alleviate the symptoms:

What to do before the flight

• Before booking your flight, make sure you arrive in your new destination during daylight. This will give you enough time to take a quick nap and explore compared to arriving at night time or dawn where you may not be able to sleep right away and there is not much to do to keep you busy because the shops and restaurants are closed.


• Rest well before you travel. Several days before your trip, it is important that you adjust your sleeping habits to the time zone of your destination. If you are flying east, go to bed 1 hour earlier each night. If you are flying west, go to bed 1 hour later each night.


• Some people are unable to sleep comfortably in an unfamiliar setting. If you are one of these people, pack your favorite blanket or pillowcase too. Bring that framed picture you have by your bedside. Bringing along something from your bedroom makes your lodging feel a little bit like home.

What to do during the flight

• Adjust your watch to the new time zone when you start your trip. If it is night time at your destination, then sleep on the plane. If it is daytime at your destination, try to stay awake.


• Do not take sleeping pills. You can use sleep masks, ear plugs, or take a sniff of cannabinoid oil to help you sleep easier. Relying on pills for long-haul flights will just leave you feeling groggy when you land and will only add to your jet lag.


• Drink lots of fluids during the flight. Dehydration will only make it harder for your body to adjust with the new time zone. Do not drink alcohol as the effects of alcohol at altitude causes dehydration and increased tiredness.

What to do after the flight

• Adjust to your new schedule when you arrive. If you arrive in the afternoon, try to stay awake until your usual bedtime. If you really need a nap the moment you arrive and it is still daytime, limit your nap to 2 hours.


• Get sunlight. Light exposure helps reset your internal clock. So when the sun rises in the morning, take a quick walk outdoors or do some jogging around the neighborhood. Getting some sunlight will make you feel better and even boost your energy.


• No siestas. It is important to have less afternoon naps so that your body will be tired enough to sleep once nighttime falls. Do all your touring or activities during day time so that you will not be tempted to sleep. You can take caffeinated drinks but make sure that you take them before 2 p.m. to make sure that the caffeine boost will wear off before your bedtime.

With these tips in mind, you will be able to alleviate the symptoms of jet lag and enjoy your vacation or business trip better.