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Jet
Lag
Jet
lag is caused when you travel through multiple time zones.
These changes in time zones confuse your body's 24-hour
inner clock, which throws off your "circadian rhythms." Your circadian rhythms control the timing of the release
of hormones and chemicals to let you know when you should
be hungry, sleepy, etc. Symptoms of Jet lag include fatigue,
insomnia, disorientation, headaches, and irregularity.
It
normally takes about one day to adjust for each time zone
you cross. Jet lag is often worse traveling eastward.
Flying north or south within the same time zone does not
cause jet lag. Your overall health, habits, and age play
a big part in how badly you get jet lag. Being well rested
can help reduce jet lag symptoms. Overeating, smoking
and drinking alcohol can exaggerate jet lag.
Tips
for dealing with Jet Lag:
- Exercise
while airborne and upon arrival will help circulate
your blood you will feel rejuvenated.
- Adjust
your sleep time before you leave on your trip to match
your destination time zone.
- Don't
stay on your home time zone. Change your watch to your
destination time zone.
- Meals
high in protein stimulate wakefulness. Carbohydrate
rich meals promote sleep.
- Use
caffeine drinks to help you stay awake until your new
bedtime at your destination.
- Eat
high-fiber foods to fight constipation and avoid fatty
foods.
- Drink
LOTS of water.
Ear Pain
During
airplane flights the ears are subjected to changes in
air pressure. The middle ear is connected with the upper
part of the throat by the Eustachian tube. Its job is
to equalize air pressure in the middle ear.
People
often have more problems during landing. If the Eustachian
tube is blocked from cold or allergies the eardrum will
be stretched inward, impairing hearing and causing pain
during descent. If you can't clear your ears on the ground,
you should not fly. But if you have to fly, or find yourself
with ear pain once airborne, there are some things you
can do. (CONTINUE...)
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