My Top 10 Favorite Jet Lag Remedies

I fly a lot and am frequently dealing with jet lag. In fact, I just got back from a short trip that spanned three time zones and have been using my favorite jet lag remedies. I've been back for a few days now and am only just starting to feel like my sleep cycles and energy levels are almost normal again.

Over the years I've used various jet lag remedies and tips to help speed the process of normalizing to a new time zone. On average, you're supposed to give yourself one day for each time zone you fly across. So if you span across seven time zones then it will take you seven days to become used to the time change. If your trip is only 7 days or even less this could spell trouble. You'll be tired during your entire trip.

When you take a trip, try a few of these jet lag remedies to help you get acclimated to the new time zone. I've tested all of these and will give my experience.

1. Observe Daylight Hours

I don't know about you but when I arrive at a destination in the AM of the new time zone and I had just passed a sleepless 8 hours in flight, the first thing I want to do is take a nap. This is not a good strategy. I have every intention to make it a short nap but it easily turns into a four hour slumber. Giving in will delay my progress. I force myself to stay awake when it is light out and go to sleep when it's dark. It really does work.

2. Try Melatonin

One of my favorite jet lag remedies is melatonin which is essentially a hormone that your body produces naturally and is responsible for regulating your sleep cycles. When you experience jet lag, your sleep cycles are disturbed which means that you need to reset your natural circadian rhythms. Melatonin does this for you. Some products with melatonin in them are billed as insomnia remedies. The additional ingredients, such as GABA can also help with jet lag.

3. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils and is a great remedy for jet lag. Place a few drops on your pillow as you're about to fall asleep. You can also use an eye mask that has a lavender scent. Some of them are even stuffed with dried lavender flowers. Just place it over your eyes when you're in bed.

4. Rosemary Essential Oil

While lavender is relaxing, rosemary is stimulating. This is an essential oil to use during daylight hours to help keep you alert and prevent you from falling asleep. You can place a few drops of the essential oil on a tissue and sniff throughout the day. You may also want to purchase or make a lavender body oil or lotion and put it on after your morning shower.

5. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is another valuable natural remedy for jet lag. If you want to treat and prevent jet lag one great thing you can do is drink 3-4 cups of green tea a day. You can even drink a cup of decaffeinated green tea before bed. Since the tea contains caffeine it gives you a steady stream of gentle energy thoughout the day which will keep you alert. It helps promote sleep and relaxation because of the L-theanine content which is an amino acid.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying well hydrated is another essential tip for getting rid of jet lag or even prevenging it in the first place. Being at altitude in the airplane as well as the dry air in the cabin can really suck the moisture out of your body. Drinking plenty of water can help promote energy and keep your body running smoothly.

7. Physical Exercise

Getting some exercise once you land (if it's light out) can help ward off jet lag. Go for a brisk walk once you settle into your destnation. You can also move around in the airplane cabin whenever the fasten seatbelt sign is off. Perform some stretches throughout the flight as well. This gets the blood flowing to your muscles which can help keep you alert and even promote relaxation when the time comes.

8. Take Valerian or Skullcap Tincture

The reason why I listed both is because what works for one person may not work for another. Both of these herbs can help you fall asleep at night even if you feel too alert. However, I need to mention that even though valerian is a sedative, it gives me anxiety. Skullcap (not to be taken if you have liver problems) is something that does work for me. Read up on the herbs to make sure you can take them and also check with your doctor.

9. Homeopathic Remedies

I didn't always respond well to homeopathic remedies. Ever since I had a bad case of poison oak and a homeopathic remedy is the only thing that worked I've given these a second chance. There's a wonderful homeopathic remedy called "no jet lag" that you can try. Just follow the instructions on the package.

10. Take a Multivitamin and Mineral

I don't always take my vitamins. I do, however, when I travel. This isn't necessarily a cure for jet lag. But I do feel that it keeps my immune system strong while my body is transitioning into the new time zone. Traveling can put your body under a lot of stress. The extra vitamins can really help. The last thing I need is to get sick while I'm on my trip.