Avoiding Jet Lag

The easiest way, of course, is to avoid changing time zones. If you must, here are a few tips:

• If you're going west to east, go to bed an hour earlier than your usual bedtime two nights before the trip, then two hours the night before.
• Set your watch to local time while you're still on the plane.
• Stay active during any layover or delay.
• Eat in moderation.
• Take a small snack. Something with potassium, like a banana, will help you stay awake. A high carbohydrate snack will help you sleep.
• Drink lots of water on the plane because of the dry atmosphere.
• Use caution with caffeine. Plan when you may need it (usually when you first arrive).
• Get out into the sunlight as soon as possible when you arrive to reset your body clock.
• Know that even following all these tips will only soften the blow. Jet lag is just nature's way of making you look like the photo in your passport.