A Food Fun Travel Guest Post
Jet lag affects more than 100 million traveling people annually, and with the Global Jet Lag Therapy Market projected to grow over $730 million by 2023, it’s worth packing some travel essentials to reduce your chances of jet lag.
Jet lag can put a severe strain on your ability to enjoy your time in a new country. A long flight through different time zones can do a number on your body’s internal clock. Usually jet lag comes with disturbed sleep (and insomnia in more severe cases), fatigue during the day, reduced concentration levels, gastrointestinal problems, and general body malaise (a general feeling of discomfort).
Allowing yourself time to naturally adjust to your new time zone is ideal. However, you may not have the luxury of sleeping it off at your leisure. And depending on the purpose of your trip, you may be required to adapt to local time without an opportunity to rest.
This article will look at some essentials to take with you when traveling, helping you to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and reduce jet lag, making you refreshed and ready for your day.
- A Buckwheat Hulls Pillow
In many cases, jet lag can be exacerbated by lack of sleep while traveling. It can be difficult to relax and find a comfortable position in your seat, especially if you have little room to move around. Because you don’t have enough space to move around, you can feel some deep neck and back pain. If left untreated, especially on hours-long flights, this could result in muscle numbness, severe headaches, and, possibly, more serious long-term conditions.
Fortunately, a buckwheat hulls pillow that is suitable for travel can aid you in your sleep, as it can be easily molded to suit your needs while in transit. As mentioned, being seated for hours in one position can take its toll on your neck and your lower back, causing discomfort that may last for days. A buckwheat hulls travel pillow cushions these areas, and can reduce any discomfort that may arise from a lack of support to these parts of your body, making it an essential travel companion on your trip.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
In addition to the continuous onboard announcements, disturbances from the cabin crew, and sounds from the other passengers, airplanes are noisy places. The steady stream of sounds that comes from the engine and the air conditioning can make it difficult to sleep, especially if you are sensitive to sound. Using noise-canceling headphones to block out these auditory distractions can help you get a more restful sleep within the cramped space of the cabin.
- Supplements
Natural supplements can be taken to help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and sleep cycle to prevent jet lag. Melatonin is a hormone produced in a gland in the brain called the pineal gland. This hormone is secreted when the brain senses there is no light and, as such, aids in keeping the body’s internal clock in check.
Expert medical professionals have found that melatonin supplements have benefits when it comes to treating jet lag effectively. Melatonin has been found to decrease jet lag in people crossing five or more time zones. CBD such as that sold at Secret Nature CBD can also be beneficial in relieving jet lag due to its ability to regulate sleeping patterns and aid circadian rhythms.
- Apps
Technology is also available to help reduce the effects of jet lag. Of course, you shouldn’t look at your smartphone or watch TV before you sleep, as the blue light can keep your brain alert; in effect, affecting the way you sleep. However, a few apps such as Jet Lag Rooster and Entrain offer a personalized schedule that helps you adjust your body clock to the local time zone of your destination.
The Timeshifter app goes a little further, with added features such as telling you when to go to sleep or to get exposure to light. It also recommends when to take a nap or to consume caffeine.
Takeaway
Long travels can be uncomfortable, especially when you can’t move that much in your seat. Your body will feel sore, and you might not get proper rest for a few days. However, with these three travel essentials you can get to your destination ready, refreshed, and easily able to adjust to your new time zone.
