How To Conquer Jet Lag Fast When Traveling From US To Europe
What Is Jet Lag?
Your body is a clock. It has a natural cycle of physical, mental and behavior changes that it goes through in a 24-hour cycle (circadian rhythms). Circadian rhythms are affected by light and dark and are controlled by a small area in the middle of the brain that signals your body when to stay awake and when to sleep.
Jet lag occurs because your body’s clock is still synced to your original time zone, instead of the time zone where you’ve traveled. The more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to experience jet lag, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Five Step Guide
- Hydrate Before And During The Flight
Flying makes you more susceptible to dehydration. The side effects of dehydration can be pretty gnarly.
Abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, headaches, swelling and digestive issues. These are all also symptoms of jet lag. Personally, I experience nausea, dizziness and digestive issues.
The best way to prepare for jet lag to Europe is to hydrate before you fly. The general rule is to drink a liter of water before your flight.
Whenever the flight attendant offers you water, take it. Better yet, bring your own.
- Avoid Alcohol On The Flight
I know, big fat bummer. You want to get the party started. But take it from me, if you drink on the plane you will feel awful when you land.
Not only will you be even more tired but because of your lack of sleep and double dehydration, you’ll feel incredibly hungover.
Not to mention, you’re in a different time zone and your body is already confused. But I get it. This is a rule even I have a tough time following.
- Sleep As Much As You Can On The Flight
If you leave from the east coast your flight time to Charles de Gaulle is around 7-8 hours depending on your tail wind. You’ll get two meals on the flight (depending on the airline).
One meal is served about an hour after takeoff and one about an hour before your flight lands.
If you eat both meals that means you have about 4-5 hours to sleep. If you must have a glass of wine, etc, grab one during their first offering and no more.
- Stretch On Every Trip To The WC
When you get up for a biology break, have a stretch (and some water). Stretch your calves, do some side bends with your arms overhead, cross each arm over your chest, stretch your quads too if you can kick up your foot to your butt without kicking anyone.
It’s best to stretch in front of the bathroom if your seat isn’t behind a bulkhead.
- Upon Arrival: Stay Awake!
The best way to avoid jet lag to Europe is to jump right in when you arrive. Stay active and try to stay awake for as long as you can.
It’s really important to try to stay awake until bedtime. It’s nearly impossible to do that but if you can, it will make all the difference.
When you arrive, store your luggage at your hotel, Airbnb or luggage storage. After that, if you’re too wiped to be active, jump on a hop on hop off bus.
Frequently Asked:
How Do Americans Avoid Jet Lag In Europe?
The most important things to do to kick jet lag fast are stay hydrated (no alcohol) and stay awake as long as possible after you land.
Is Jet Lag Worse Going To Or From Europe?
You’ll feel worse when you get home. The reason for this is, when you’re going to Europe you’re high on life and anticipation. Your anticipation and movement helps you adjust faster.
When you come home, I’m sorry to say, you’ll feel weird for a few days. You’re home and sleeping in your own bed and you’ll want to stay in it, believe me.
How Long Does Jet Lag Last From USA To Europe?
Jet lag from the USA to Europe will last about 2-3 days. My advice is to stay busy for the first few days, relax on day 4, then finish your trip strong.
Pro tip: Book an activity the day before you leave so you don’t think about leaving as much. Because after all, it’s sad when your vacation ends.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Jet Lag To Europe?
You’ll fully recover from jet lag by day 4, without question.
Should I Sleep On The Plane To Europe?
Absolutely, yes! If you do not sleep on the plane you will feel miserable when you land. Take a Benadryl, or Dramamine, or Xanax. Do what you need to do to get some sleep (no alcohol).
Take it just before takeoff so you can fall asleep right after you eat.
Is It Better To Fly At Night Or Day To Europe?
It’s best to leave the US in the evening so you’ll land late morning. Everything will be open when you land.
So the theme of avoiding jet lag when traveling from US to Europe is to hydrate and stay awake when you land. And if you follow none of these rules and you are jet lagged, big deal.
Relax in a park for a few days until you feel better. Because, it’s your vacation! So do whatever the heck you want!