Over the years we’ve tried all sorts of ways to beat the dreaded jet lag and finally seem to have it sussed!
Going to Florida never seems to cause us too many problems, other than waking up early the first couple of mornings, so we always just get up and have an early start at the parks or fit in the food shopping, there are plenty of supermarkets open 24 hours a day!
Coming back to the UK is altogether another story!
We’ve found the following really help us.
First as soon as you step on the plane re-set your watch to UK time then try to eat and sleep according to UK time. We find eating at the airport before our flight and taking snacks onboard, so we can eat when we want, really helps with this. Eating certain food types can also help. If you’re trying to get to sleep then it’s better to have starchy, carbohydrate rich meals and avoid protein. If you’re trying to stay awake then try eating protein rich meals with salad or vegetables and avoid all carbohydrates.
An eye mask, ear plugs and neck pillow will also help you to sleep during the flight, I also find that putting on the airline headset and listening to some peaceful music helps me to sleep and blocks out the noise of the plane and of other passengers.
Most people find themselves getting very dehydrated when they fly, so avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water. It’s a good idea to take bottled water on the flight with you, so you can drink as and when you want to.
Lack of exercise is another negative of long haul flights, so try doing stretching exercises in your seat; most airlines now have a card or a section in their onboard magazines that show a selection of suitable exercises. Take regular walks up and down the aisle although try not to do this when the cabin crew are serving or clearing the meal!
Once you arrive back in the UK, which with most flights from Florida is usually first thing in the morning, try and stay awake and active until your normal bedtime. If you really think you’re not going to be able to manage it then go straight to bed but make sure you set the alarm clock and just have a hours sleep. The very worst thing is to sleep later than 12 noon or have more than an hours nap. We always try and go for a walk about 4pm for at least an hour, the fresh air really helps wake you up, then come back and cook dinner and start planning our next trip to Florida!
Going to Florida never seems to cause us too many problems, other than waking up early the first couple of mornings, so we always just get up and have an early start at the parks or fit in the food shopping, there are plenty of supermarkets open 24 hours a day!
Coming back to the UK is altogether another story!
We’ve found the following really help us.
First as soon as you step on the plane re-set your watch to UK time then try to eat and sleep according to UK time. We find eating at the airport before our flight and taking snacks onboard, so we can eat when we want, really helps with this. Eating certain food types can also help. If you’re trying to get to sleep then it’s better to have starchy, carbohydrate rich meals and avoid protein. If you’re trying to stay awake then try eating protein rich meals with salad or vegetables and avoid all carbohydrates.
An eye mask, ear plugs and neck pillow will also help you to sleep during the flight, I also find that putting on the airline headset and listening to some peaceful music helps me to sleep and blocks out the noise of the plane and of other passengers.
Most people find themselves getting very dehydrated when they fly, so avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water. It’s a good idea to take bottled water on the flight with you, so you can drink as and when you want to.
Lack of exercise is another negative of long haul flights, so try doing stretching exercises in your seat; most airlines now have a card or a section in their onboard magazines that show a selection of suitable exercises. Take regular walks up and down the aisle although try not to do this when the cabin crew are serving or clearing the meal!
Once you arrive back in the UK, which with most flights from Florida is usually first thing in the morning, try and stay awake and active until your normal bedtime. If you really think you’re not going to be able to manage it then go straight to bed but make sure you set the alarm clock and just have a hours sleep. The very worst thing is to sleep later than 12 noon or have more than an hours nap. We always try and go for a walk about 4pm for at least an hour, the fresh air really helps wake you up, then come back and cook dinner and start planning our next trip to Florida!