Most of us have been there: bleary-eyed, hoping we can focus when it’s time to enjoy the first dive of our vacation – the one we’ve been dreaming about all year. Unfortunately, jet lag is often part of dive travel, and the further we go in pursuit of underwater fun, the worse it can be. If you’re among those who find jet lag problematic, you’ll appreciate these tips on avoiding the problem altogether.
Three Tips for Enjoying Every Minute
Experts estimate that it takes the human body an entire day to recover for each time zone crossed. On a twelve-hour flight that takes you across six time zones, it can take as long as six days to recover. Since the standard vacation is usually fairly short, that means it’s possible to suffer for days on end as you wait for your body to adjust. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the effects of jet lag and ensure that you can enjoy every minute of your hard-earned vacation.
First, consider flight time and whether you’ll need to go to sleep shortly after you arrive at your vacation destination. If an overnight flight is offered, consider taking it so you can sleep while traveling. If you have trouble sleeping on planes, consider taking a mild sedative to lull yourself into a peaceful slumber, so you’ll wake feeling fairly refreshed and ready to take on the day. Before departure, set your watch or computer clock to the time zone you’ll be arriving in and try your best to plan your sleep according to that time.
Second, avoid alcoholic beverages before and during your flight, as they can disrupt your sleep cycle and contribute to dehydration, which worsens feelings of sleepiness. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while you are awake before and during your flight.
Third, if it’s daytime when you arrive at your destination, start participating in activities right away instead of heading for your hotel room for that nap you might be craving. Do this even if you are tired, and try to get yourself out into the sun, which will help to alter your body’s internal clock faster than anything else will. Enjoy some coffee or another caffeinated beverage and give yourself a pep talk. Get some light exercise and enjoy a little sightseeing.
If all else fails and your eyelids are drooping, take a warm bath or shower and get into bed. Take a three to four hour nap so that your body can benefit from a full sleep cycle. When your alarm goes off, wake up and continue with activities. Go to bed as early as you can so that you’ll wake up in time to enjoy the next day, remembering that many of the best dive sites are outstanding during the early morning hours. Though you may feel a little sleepy, you won’t be nearly as tired as you will be if you stay awake on the plane and then go to sleep for the first full day of your vacation.