Jet-lag affects most of us, symptoms include dehydration, irritability, swollen limbs and eyes, dry nose and throat, headaches, fatigue and gastro-intestinal upset. So the week before you set off, make sure you treat yourself kindly. Have plenty of rest, exercise, take vitamins, eat healthy foods and most of all, stay hydrated!! Do NOT travel on a long-haul flight with a hangover. Try and exercise before you go to the airport and get plenty of fresh air, you will sleep better on the plane. Floor exercises are beneficial if you can do leg raises (especially good for those prone to DVT).
At the airport, (if you can), do your best to avoid escalators and moving platforms. Walk and take the stairs. If you are a wheelchair user, wheel yourself around the airport. It will help you sleep on the flight.
Jet-lag is reported to be worse for travellers who are addicted to routine, suffer from insomnia, have underlying medical conditions, are generally unfit or pregnant.
Set your watch to the destination time, once boarded on the plane.
Wear comfortable shoes on the plane, preferably cushioned open-toe sandals, take them off once seated. Do leg and toe raises and stretches when seated every hour of your journey.
DO NOT TAKE SLEEPING TABLETS!! This is an unnatural sleep with hardly any muscular movement and is very bad for the circulation, especially on long-haul flights.
Drink plenty of water and bring camomile tea bags. Please avoid alcohol and caffeine. STAY HYDRATED.
Bring an inflatable neck rest, blind fold, use ear plugs and blanket. All these things will help you nod off.
Get up and move around after each nap, go to the toilet and wash your hands and face, any kind of exercise is GOOD!
It can get quite boring, so bring a deck of cards, a good book and a few puzzles to keep you occupied. Reading something till you literally drop off is a great tip too.
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