Dealing with Jet-lag

Jet-lag can occur any time you travel quickly across two or more time zones. The more time zones you cross, the more likely you are to be sleepy with more intense and longer symptoms. Many methods, both pharmacological and behavioral, have been used to alleviate the negative results of time-zone transitions. Some examples are: 1) simulating your new schedule before you leave by changing the timing of eating and napping. 2) Adapting to your new schedule while in flight by changing your watch and trying to sleep if it's nighttime where you are going or stay awake if it is day time where you are going. 3) Staying hydrated before, during, and after your flight to counteract dehydration. 4) Light therapy, the light helps shift your body's circadian clock, so you feel rested and wake at appropriate times of your destination. Commercially available light boxes may also be helpful in coping with jet lag if used at appropriate times. 5) Minimize sleep distractions during the flight or at your room at bedtime \cite{cope,Waterhouse1999}