Flight attendant – here are my tips for combatting jet lag

With over half of Brits jetting off abroad this summer (1), jet lag can sure put a dampener on the fun of the trip, and with ‘how to get over jet lag’ searches increasing by +12% in the past week it seems you’re not alone when struggling with jet lag.   

To help, Cult Beauty spoke to a flight attendant from British Airways to share her top tips for beating jet lag to ensure you feel fresh and your body adjusts to the new time zone with ease:

1. Adjust your phones blue light settings

One of the primary causes of jet lag is the disruption of your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. To counteract this, we recommend changing the setting on your phone to automatically switch off blue light after a certain time. Blue light, similar to natural daylight, tricks your eyes into staying awake, hindering your ability to wind down to a restful sleep. 

2. Wear sunglasses upon arrival

If your destination is ahead of your body’s time zone, wearing sunglasses upon arrival can be a clever hack to block out excessive daylight exposure. Flight crews always suggest donning sunglasses during your journey from the airport to your accommodation to help your body adjust to the local time and ease into a more relaxed state without straining your eyes. 

3. Gradually adjust your sleep schedule

When travelling east, it is often the time difference that presents the most significant challenge for combating jet lag. To prepare your body for the shift, adopt a gradual approach. Start adjusting your sleep schedule one week before your trip by going to bed an hour earlier each night. This pre-emptive step will make the time adjustment smoother and help you feel more refreshed upon arrival.

4. Nourish with light snacks

During instances when you need to stay awake a little longer, especially when the clocks go back, we recommend having a light snack. Some travellers might be hesitant to eat during the nighttime of their home country, but it’s important to remember that food is fuel. A light snack can provide a much-needed energy boost and keep you alert during extended periods of wakefulness.

5. Brush your teeth

A common tip among flight crew is to brush your teeth. The mint in the toothpaste can provide an invigorating sensation, giving you a quick burst of energy and temporarily fighting off fatigue. 

6. Gel eye patches for revived eyes 

Travelling can take a toll on your eyes, leaving them feeling tired and dehydrated. Flight attendants swear by gel eye patches as an effective remedy. These patches combat tired eyes and help rehydrate the delicate skin around the eyes, leaving you looking and feeling refreshed. 

7. Take short naps strategically

Napping can be tempting, especially if you are feeling fatigued after a long flight. However, taking long naps or napping at the wrong time can disrupt your sleep schedule even further so as soon as you arrive adjust to the local time. And opt for short power naps (20-30 mins) to recharge without interfering with your nighttime sleep.

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