| It is summer
vacation time and that probably means jet travel. How do we overcome or at
least minimize the effect of crossing multiple time zones, poor sleep and
sitting for hours on end?
Take care of your spine
Next to the rack of medieval time, the
airline coach seat is the worst torture for the frequent traveler. I
recently read an article in a travel magazine that a newly engineered
airline seat is being developed to reduce the effects of sitting for
hours. Until then, we are stuck with the traditional plane seat which does
not support the lower back or neck properly and leads to misalignment of
vertebra and inflamed muscles. So before leaving on your trip and upon
your return, schedule a chiropractic visit.
While on the plane, get up frequently,
reserve an aisle seat, and while standing in place stand on your tip toes
8 to 10 times to get the blood moving in the legs.
What is Jet Lag?
The scientific term is 'Circadian
Dischronism,' or getting the body’s cycles out of sync. This causes
fatigue, headaches, weakness, irritability, memory difficulties, loss of
concentration and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Jet lag is worse going eastward because
getting to sleep at bedtime at the destination is more difficult. A recent
study indicates chronic jet lag may actually shrink your brain. Other
studies show elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Tips for Beating Jet Lag
- Drink plenty of water on board and
avoid alcohol and coffee (caffeine);
- Avoid napping unless it coincides with
the night cycle of your destination;
- If going to Europe, leave at night
from the Bay Area and sleep on the plane.
- Use ear plugs, an eye mask (to block
out noise and light), and a neck pillow (inflatable or memory foam) when
sleeping or napping;
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting
clothing;
- Set your watch to the time zone of
your destination;
- Try “No Jet Lag” homeopathic
supplements/pills;
- Get plenty of sunshine once in your
destination. This sets your internal circadian clock;
- Once in your destination, try to keep
awake until the local bed time.
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