Watch out for jet lag! When we travel to destinations in different time zones, we may experience this condition, which can really put a damper on the first few hours of our trip.
Don't worry! I'll tell you everything you need to know to prevent and overcome jet lag so that you can fully enjoy your trip to Thailand—or anywhere else in the world—without spending days recovering from the time difference.
What is jet lag, and why is it so challenging?
Imagine this: you’re coming from Colombia and need to take at least two flights from Bogotá to Bangkok, which will keep you on a plane for more than 30 hours. You’ll watch day turn into night through the window, and above all, you’ll feel the jet lag, which makes you feel as if you’re stuck in a temporal limbo.
I can tell you that the longest flights I’ve taken have been from Colombia to Thailand, from England to Thailand, and from China to the United States—all of these trips have given me firsthand experience with the challenges of jet lag.
This discomfort manifests itself as accumulated fatigue, headaches, sore legs, and a desperate desire to reach your destination. On top of that, it feels like time is standing still; and although, fortunately, I can fall asleep easily anywhere, dealing with jet lag can sometimes be a real challenge.
That’s when you start to feel the effects of jet lag, a temporary sleep disorder that can affect even the most seasoned travelers. This disruption to our circadian rhythm can leave us feeling irritable, tired, and having trouble sleeping. Some of the most common symptoms include: sleep disturbances, headaches, mood swings, and loss of appetite.
What are circadian rhythms, and how do they affect our sleep?
To understand why jet lag affects us as travelers, it’s essential to understand what circadian rhythms are. These are natural biological rhythms that follow an approximate 24-hour cycle and influence various physiological functions in our bodies, including sleep and wakefulness.
Circadian rhythms are primarily influenced by sunlight and help regulate our sleep patterns.
When we travel across different time zones, our circadian rhythms become disrupted due to changes in our exposure to sunlight. Our bodies become confused and have trouble adjusting to the new local schedule, resulting in the unpleasant symptoms of jet lag, such as daytime drowsiness and difficulty falling asleep at night.
Tips for preventing jet lag
Before you take off, there are steps you can take to prepare your body for the time change:
- Adjust your internal rhythm to your destination: as soon as you arrive, adjust to the local meal and sleep schedules. If you arrive during the day, try to stay awake and sleep until nighttime.
- Prepare yourself before and during flights: drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight to stay hydrated, and avoid alcoholic beverages. Do some stretching and mobility exercises during the flight to prevent muscle stiffness and avoid cramps and aches.
- Comfort during the flight: Wear the most comfortable clothes and shoes you have to allow yourself to stretch out and feel as comfortable as possible during the long flight
Recovering from jet lag
You made it! You're in Thailand, but did jet lag follow you to your destination? Don't worry—there are ways to beat it: adjust your internal clock to the local time. You might also consider taking melatonin supplements—a hormone that regulates sleep—to help reset your body clock.
Natural remedies for beating jet lag
In addition to conventional methods, there are natural solutions. Tea, especially decaffeinated tea. You can also try adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola to reduce travel-related stress.
Lavender essential oils can improve the quality of your sleep, and, once again, getting some sun and staying properly hydrated are key to combating jet lag. Don’t forget to pack a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses to avoid the interference of fluorescent lights, which can disrupt your sleep cycle during the flight.
Remember, we’re all different, and some remedies might work better for you than for others. Also, give your body some time to adjust to the new schedule and pace of life in Thailand.
Viajera en Tailandia: Your Trusted Companion Through Good Times and Jet Lag
I hope these tips for beating jet lag have been helpful. The magic of this trip lies not only in the incredible landscapes and cultures you’ll discover, but also in how you feel, so take care of yourself before and during your flights to avoid severe symptoms.
At Viajera en Tailandia, we understand the importance of traveling sustainably, respecting nature and local communities. If you’re looking for a sustainable experience tailored to your interests, I invite you to discover the services offered by Viajera en Tailandia.
Let us design a custom trip for you, where every experience is an adventure in itself and where every step we take is in harmony with the natural beauty and respect for the culture around us. Discover more on my Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook pages and start filling your travels with joy, discoveries, and sustainable moments.
