Traveling can be so much fun as it allows you to explore destinations all around the world. The further away from home you travel, the more you have an opportunity to discover new cultures and new places.
As exciting as it can be, though, traveling can be downright exhausting. While it may be due to packing too many things into your itinerary, fatigue during your travels is often due to jet lag.
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly jet lag is and what you can do to avoid it when traveling. And then we will let you in on a secret—- feeling your best may rest on the wings of a private jet charter.
What is Jet Lag?
Jet lag is a disorder that causes disruption in your sleep pattern and wellness as you travel across multiple time zones. Your body’s internal clock is still trying to function at your original time, but you are now physically trying to function at a new time. This confuses things.
Many travelers experience jet lag at some point. After a few days in the new location, the signs and symptoms begin to dissipate as the body gets regulated.
Symptoms of Jet Lag
Did you know that jet lag is more than feeling a little tired after a flight? There are symptoms of jet lag that you could be suffering from — and not even know. If you have ever traveled and just didn’t feel your best, this disorder could be to blame.
Below are a few of the most common symptoms of jet lag.
- Fatigue as you go about your day
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Feelings of malaise or feeling unwell
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Difficulty waking up early
- Lack of concentration/ difficulty focusing
Keep in mind that you may experience one or more of these symptoms when traveling and they may vary in severity. Symptoms are usually exacerbated the further you travel from home.
Have you ever experienced any of these while traveling?
What Causes Jet Lag?
Obviously, traveling into new time zones can lead to jet lag, but why? How does this impact the body so much and our ability to function?
Our circadian rhythm is like our internal clock. It allows our body to go through all of its processes, such as knowing when to rest and restore. In other words, while sleeping your body will normally do what it needs to, leaving you feeling refreshed in the morning. Internally, it knows it has a set number of hours before it will do this again. Sunlight and routine play a large role in this.
Then you change time zones. The sun is out during different times — you may be up from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. while on vacation, but your internal clock is still trying to work on the pattern of what your clocks at home are reflecting.
When you think about it this way, it makes sense as to why your body will feel a little off-kilter when experiencing jet lag.
How to Avoid Jet Lag
Want to travel without having to worry about feelings of malaise and fatigue once you get there?
Here are a few steps that you can take to avoid jet lag and get the most out of your trip.
- Try to time your flight just right so that you reach your destination when you would normally be waking up.
- Sleep during your flight as much as possible – this is even better if you have a nighttime flight.
- Don’t drink caffeinated beverages while traveling.
- Get outside in the daylight as much as possible.
- Don’t allow yourself to nap when you arrive. If you can, stay awake until nighttime.
To help you sleep while on the plane, consider investing in earplugs and a mask for your eyes.
Have a Better Flight Without Jet Lag
There are so many different steps you can take in an effort to minimize the impacts of jet lag when you travel. But what if we told you there is a better way —- one that doesn’t require you to play Tetris with life in an attempt to ensure you stay well-rested, alert, and feeling great?
You can have a better fight without jet lag when you make the decision to charter a private jet for your travel needs. Here is how it can help.
Booking Flexibility. Think about this —- can you imagine booking a commercial flight at the time you want so that you arrive at your destination when you would normally wake up? This can be a real challenge. With a charter flight, you choose the time you want to travel. And, as a result, you can make it most conducive to your needs so that you reduce your chance of jet lag.
Eating Well. Eating all the junk food that normally comes with traveling can wreak havoc on the body. But, eating healthy and nourishing foods can help your body to function better as a whole. When you fly on a private jet, you can have food catered to you or cooked directly on the flight. This ensures that you eat well.
Staying Hydrated. You need to stay hydrated when traveling since it is so easy to become dehydrated while traveling. On a private jet, you will have unlimited access to refreshments so you will remain hydrated as much as possible.
Sound Rest. On a private charter, you can get sound rest without having to invest in sleep aids. Many private jets have seats that fully recline into beds so that once you land, you feel ready to start your day.
And that’s all you need for a better flight sans jet lag.
Book your next flight with Sun Air Jets. With a large charter fleet that can travel anywhere around the world, you can arrive feeling your very best so that you can enjoy every moment of your getaway.
Contact us today to learn more.