Travel Tips for Overcoming Jet Lag
It’s summer, and the travel season is in full swing! Our family has enjoyed trips to the lower 48 states to visit family, attend work events, and engage in sports activities. We’ve also hosted family and friends for fun sightseeing adventures. While traveling is exciting, jet lag can often dampen the experience. Waking up at 1 am to arrive at the airport, or staying up all day for an 11 pm red-eye flight, and adjusting to 3-4 hour time changes can make your vacation feel more like a chore. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a few tips to minimize jet lag:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water while traveling can be challenging due to TSA restrictions and limited servings on flights. To combat this, I bring an empty water bottle in my carry-on bag and fill it up after passing security. It also serves as my hiking bottle later! If I forget, I buy the cheapest water available at the airport. This ensures I have access to water whenever I need it during the flight.
2. Adjust to the New Time Zone: Upon landing, I immediately set my clocks to the local time zone. I set my alarm for my usual wake-up time and stay up until my regular bedtime. If I’m tired, I limit naps to 20-60 minutes to avoid grogginess. I focus on the local time rather than what time it is at home. In Alaska, the long days and short nights can be disorienting, so relying on a clock is essential.
3. Stay Active: Jet lag can make you feel like you have a cold or the flu, making you want to rest. However, spending the first day or two being active helps with adjustment. In Alaska, there are plenty of easy trails to explore and charming areas to shop. Near our cabins, I recommend the Russian River Falls Trail or the Kenai River Canyon Trail at the start of Skilak Lake Road.
4. Sleep Soundly: When it’s time to sleep, several strategies help. Stop caffeine intake 5-8 hours before bed, limit alcohol to avoid nighttime awakenings, and sleep in a cool, dark, and quiet room. I travel with an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise. Setting the AC to a comfortable temperature helps, and in Alaska, where AC is rare, using a fan to circulate air can make the room feel cooler.
At Cooper Landing Lodge, we prioritize our guests’ comfort. All our bedrooms are equipped with blackout curtains to block the sun. We provide a Vornado Air Circulator, a highly-rated fan that can send breezes to the far corners of a large room. It’s easy to control and clean, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.
Additional Tips:
–Gradual Adjustment: If possible, start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before you travel. Going to bed and waking up an hour earlier or later can help.
– Natural Light: Exposure to natural light can help reset your internal clock. Spend time outside during the day to help your body adjust to the new time zone.
– Healthy Diet: Eating light, healthy meals can aid digestion and make it easier for your body to adapt to the new schedule.
– Avoid Heavy Meals: Especially before bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep patterns.
– Melatonin Supplements: Consult with a healthcare provider about using melatonin supplements to help regulate your sleep cycle.
We hope these tips help you quickly over come jet lag and adjust to the Alaskan Time Zone, no matter where you’re coming from. When planning your next trip, consider staying booking either our Black Bear or Brown Bear Cabins at Cooper Landing Lodge, where we offer comfortable accommodations and all the amenities you need for a restful stay.
