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20 years
I'm dealing with jetlag. What should I do?
Jul 2, 2013

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Jet lag is a sleep disorder that occurs when the body's biological clock does not correspond to local time. This is common when traveling across different time zones. Recovering from jet lag depends on the number of time zones crossed while traveling. In general, the body will adjust to the new time zone at the rate of one or two time zones per day. For example, if you crossed six time zones, the body will typically adjust to this time change in three to five days.
Tips for dealing with jet lag:
1. Avoid alcohol or caffeine at least three to four hours before bedtime. Both act as "stimulants" and prevent sleep.
2. Avoid any heavy exercise close to bedtime. (Light exercise earlier in the day is fine.)
3. Bring earplugs and blindfolds to help dampen noise and block out unwanted light while sleeping.
4. Try to get outside in the sunlight whenever possible. Daylight is a powerful stimulant for regulating the biological clock. (Staying indoors worsens jet lag.)
5. It is a myth that the type of foods we eat have no effect on minimizing jet lag.
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