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Suggestions to minimize jetlag:

jetlagAll kinds of bodily functions live according to a circadian rhythm. Jetlag is caused by travelling through timezones, which affects the body temperature and several diferent hormonal functions.
Their rhythms are influenced by light to determine whether we're supposed to be awake or asleep. When we travel through timezones, those 24-hour rhythms adjust to the new day and night only very slowly.

This confuses our bodies into telling it to go to sleep while it is daylight and the other way round. A shift of 1 to 2 timezones generally causes little to no problems. If the time difference is more than 2 hours, it's assumed that per extra timezone you need half a day to adjust when flying towards the west (the day is extended), and a whole day when you are flying to the east (the day shortens)

Melatonine can make you adjust to the new time a bit quicker. Consult your general practitioner to make sure it's sensible to use melatonine for a while.

Suggestions to minimize jetlag:
  • Try to pick a flight that arrives early in the evening. Try to sleep as little as possible until then.
  • Set your watch to the new time and try to live accordingly (so live in darkness if it's suppose to be night, for example with a face mask and ear plugs).
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or drinks containing cafeine during the flight.
  • Try to get into the rhythm of day and night as much as possible with the aid of the lightness.