Red eye flights can be both the travelers best friend and worst enemy. These overnight flights are often inexpensive, but unless you're prepared to cope, they can completely mess with your internal clock. To help you deal with your next red eye flight, we've got five ways to help you quickly recover and get back to normal.
Since you're already out of bed at 5am from the jetlag, why not put that extra time to good use? Getting your metabolism going will help you keep up your energy during the day and sleep restfully at night. We don't have any suggestions, unfortunately, for KEEPING up with your exercise after you get lazy and start sleeping in late. No, we're not speaking from experience. Never.
No matter what time your body thinks it ought to be sleeping, you have to tell it to shut up and stay awake until a reasonable hour. You'll have to be somewhat flexible and perhaps settle for your grandmother's bedtime, if you're particularly hard-hit. There's loads of ways to help yourself sleep at the right time, from your doctor's prescription to an evening nightcap. Do what works for you. We often turn to homeopathic guru, Dr. Weil for advice on insomnia. He recommends relaxation breathing, hot baths, and natural aids, such as valerin or melatonin.
In order to sleep at the proper time, you've got to fight taking a nap. Power through those drowsy spells with a big cup of coffee, a refreshing walk, or by closing your eyes and relaxing. Sometimes, a little meditation can have the same effect as a quick nap.
After a red eye, you're going to be both tired and dehydrated. Your body needs water, period. Drink a liter or two, and you'll feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. Don't just chug a bunch and expect to be out of the woods, though. You've got to keep hydrated, so make sure you've got an ample supply handy.
It's a lot harder to fall asleep if you're out and busy, so get out and do things that will keep you distracted. Call your friends, make a lunch date, go to a museum, or, god forbid, go to work. Fake being awake until even you believe it.
Thanks for the great advice. My question is, how do you do this with a child. For adults, it's easy to work with. But sometimes I take my son because there aren't any other flights available, and then he gets a little sick from the complete destruction of his schedule.
Red eye flights, ah you gotta love em.. Sometimes its the only way to get from A-B! I've found trying to get into the same time zone as the one you flew to ASAP is certainly the best way to deflect the worst of jet lag. Its better if you have something to look forward to at the other end of the journey and yes going out and doing things is a good way to stay awake and alert. That being said a nice hot shower, clean bed sheets and a good 12-15hr sleep when the tiredness finally takes hold is a great way to recover.
Slap on your Ipod with some relaxing tunes and sleep it off.
Couldn't agree more! I just did my first one last week and forced myself to be out and about & it let me carry myself all through the day!!
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