Help with jet lag.

Just_me_him_and_the_pooch

Hi, I am off to NZ shortly and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on lessening the effects of jet lag. Last time I went I was out for the count for nearly 3 days, it isn't a good feeling . Thanks in advance

pleasedelete

Dont drink alcohol at all during the journey. Pay for a flat bed seat if you can afford it. drink plenty of water.

Doshwaster

pleasedelete wrote: »

Dont drink alcohol at all during the journey. Pay for a flat bed seat if you can afford it. drink plenty of water.

No alcohol on a long haul flight? Sounds like a terrifying prospect.

Just_me_him_and_the_pooch

I don't drink so that isn't an option and I booked my flight ages ago and I couldn't afford a flat bed seat anyway. I usually drink plenty of water too.

Marmaduke123

It's pretty bad flying to New Zealand isn't it! I don't think there is a solution as it's a real body shock. Make sure you set your watch to your destination time when you take off on each leg, and try to sleep at the appropriate times for this.

I think a lot of the problem is lack of sleep rather than actual jetlag, so try to sleep as much as possible on the plane, at the correct time for each destination. When you arrive stay awake until as near as possible to what would be your normal going to bed time at home, local time of course, and get up at the appropriate time too. Get outside in the daylight for as many hours as you can, it resets your body clock. No sleeping in the daytime! Eat at the right time, even if you don't feel hungry, as your digestive system needs to adjust too.

I hope you don't feel too wiped out. I wish I was coming with you!

Just_me_him_and_the_pooch

Yes Marmaduke123 you are spot on, I think it is a shock to the system, and the lack of sleep is awful. I struggle to sleep on long flights but I will really try this time. It isn't my favourite thing, flying long haul but I have to do it if I want to spend time with the grandkids, and I must admit I love NZ.

Skibunny40

I take Piriton tablets during the flight to help me sleep. Obviously it's intended as an anti-allergy tablet, but I find it makes me drowsy and as someone stated above, the more you sleep during the flight, the less bad the jet lag.

Marmaduke123

I think Piriton or any antihistamine is a good idea. In the US they sell a special formulation marketed as a sleep aid. I found it very good last time we flew home.
NZ is a different kettle of fish to most long haul though. 11 or 12 hours seems like nothing after you've experienced 23 hours flying time.

Just_me_him_and_the_pooch

Good idea about the antihistamine, think I will give that a go to help me sleep, I have some as I do use it occasionally and it does make me drowsy, I just never thought of it before.
And yes flying to NZ is a nightmare, maybe if I come up on the lottery I could go first class, problem solved then.

skater_kat

this will do the trick
http://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Sleep-Doxylamine-Succinate-tablets/dp/B009QFXHKA

redpete

Stay awake on the flight as long as possible and watch loads of films and TV. Fly to Sydney to start with and just spend 3 days wandering around the harbour and city (no driving). Try to sleep according to Oz/NZ time on the back end of the flight. Sleep and eat according to Oz/NZ time as soon as you get there. Get out in the sun / daylight as much as possible as soon as you get there.

Worked for me anyhow.