Beat Jetlag

A sleep expert believes that altering sleep patterns before travelling can beat jetlag.

17:13 22 July 2016

Jetlag is one of the few inconveniences that travelling can bring; leaving travellers tired and groggy for days into their trip. This can be further exacerbated when coupled with difficulty in getting a good night’s sleep while away from the comforts of their own home.

 

Dr Guy Meadows, the founder of Sleep School, said that doing some preparations days before departure can minimise the effects of jetlag. He recommends slowly reducing time differential between the local time and the internal body clock.

 

He said: 'For example, if your normal sleeping pattern is 11pm to 7am, and for three days you advance it by 1 hour, on your last night before travel you will go to bed at 8pm and get up at 4am the next morning. 

 

He added:  'If you are arriving at your destination in the afternoon or evening, make sure you stay awake on the plane so that you are ready for the local bedtime on landing. 

 

'Alternatively, if you are arriving in the morning, aim to sleep on the plane to be ready for the day ahead.'

 

However, if you still can’t get good night’s sleep due to the time difference, Dr. Meadows recommends staying calm and relaxed.

 

He said: 'If sleep does not come straight away, then seek solace in the beneficial rest that you get from simply lying in bed calm and relaxed. 

 

'Take a moment to notice the comfort of your bed, the warmth of your body, the movement of your breath and gentle goings on of your mind.'