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Winter is coming, a time that sees Brits board long haul flights to warmer destinations and escape the cold at home. With a recent poll showing almost 70 per cent of UK travellers suffer jet lag, the global flight search and travel deals website Cheapflights.co.uk has compiled a guide on how to beat jet lag. 

Before The Flight 

·        Plan your route. Holidaying somewhere in the same time zone as the UK or flying westward reduces your chances of suffering jet lag. Holidaying in the USA will leave you feeling fresh when you arrive, whilst returning from a trip to New Zealand should have you back in the office in no time when you return. 

·        Squeeze in a stopover. Breaking up long flights will let you explore somewhere new as well as help your body adjust to changing time zones. A stop in the Far East en route to Australia is the perfect example. 

·        Adjust your daily schedule a few days before jetting off to help your body adjust to different times. Slight alterations to your wake up and meal times – even your exercise routines – will help ease the changes to your body rhythms.  

During The Flight 

·        Set your clock to your destination time as soon as the fasten seatbelt sign goes on. Trick your mind into thinking you’re already on that time, and your body’s systems will start to adjust.  

·        Stay hydrated. Don’t be tempted to enjoy too many alcoholic drinks on board and stick to water; H20 helps balance out the dehydration which may be caused by lack of humidity in the cabin during flight. 

·        Eat smart. Choose a carb-rich meal option to aid sleep on a night flight or a protein-rich choice to stay awake. 

·        Boost your chances of an undisturbed slumber: eyeshades, noise-cancelling earphones, pillow and blankets will help you get to sleep, whilst switching off your overhead light and TV screen will minimise blue light. 

After The Flight 

·        Have a power nap. Just 30 minutes after your flight can ease fatigue but shouldn’t interrupt your new night-time pattern. Ensure you have an ‘anchor sleep’ on your first night – at least four hours during local night-time as this helps reset your body.  

·        If you’re not feeling fatigued or have enjoyed a quick power nap, get moving. Plunge into the pool, eat, drink (keep the water flowing!), sightsee, hit the gym – whatever the local time suggests – to help ease the transition to your new time zone.  

·        Back home? Get into the groove of ‘normality’: sadly, sticking to holiday regimes (and times) back home will only prolong jet lag so the sooner you return to your routine, the sooner your body will adjust.

Lina Ayers