Is jet lag worse going to Europe or coming home?

So, world travelers, do you find jet lag worse coming or going? Coming home, with 9 hour time difference, is the worst for us. After 6 weeks in Europe this fall, it took me 7 nights before I could sleep 8 hours even if I was in bed by 8pm.



People Also Ask

Sleep Foundation notes that jet lag happens when we travel across three or more time zones. And, there's bad news for anyone traveling from the U.S. to Europe: jet lag is worse when you travel east than it is when you travel west. Why is this?

MORE DETAILS

One study claims it only takes two-thirds of a day per zone, or about six days to adjust to a nine-hour time difference (west to east). For westward flights it is somewhat easier to adjust to the time-zone shift, only requiring about half a day per time zone.

MORE DETAILS

How long jet lag lasts will depend on several factors. These include how far you traveled, your body's unique rhythms and your overall health. Many people who experience jet lag feel better a few days after arriving to their destination. For some people, it can take up to one week to feel fully back to themselves.

MORE DETAILS

Most people find that jet lag is worse when traveling east than it is when traveling west. View Source . Jet lag differs based on the direction of travel because it's generally easier to delay your internal clock than advance it. Jet lag does not occur on north-south flights that do not cross multiple time zones.

MORE DETAILS

How long jet lag lasts depends on the time difference between your point of departure and your destination. The greater the time difference, the longer it tends to take your body to adjust. Researchers have found that, on average, it takes people about one day to adjust for each 1 to 1.5 hours of time change.

MORE DETAILS

Common ways pilots avoid jetlag is staying hydrated, good rest, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising, or sleeping on the airplane. For long-haul flights airlines use multiple pilots for the flight to allow each pilot to get some rest. The more time zones that are crossed, the worse the jet lag.

MORE DETAILS

The disruption of the circadian cycle can trigger any number of regulating processes that are pertinent to our everyday life including blood pressure, appetite, heart rate and more. “Scientists have a limited understanding of why some people are particularly susceptible to jet lag while others seem spared.

MORE DETAILS

Flying east or west makes a difference to jet lag Your circadian rhythm (body clock) is less confused if you travel westward. This is because travelling west 'prolongs' the body clock's experience of its normal day-night cycle (the normal tendency of the body clock in most of us is slightly longer than 24 hours).

MORE DETAILS

Use the flight to rest and reset. With a few hours of sleep during the transatlantic flight, you'll be functional the day you land. When the pilot announces the European time, reset your mind along with your wristwatch. Don't prolong jet lag by reminding yourself what time it is back home. Be in Europe.

MORE DETAILS

Try out these tips – most of which have the benefit of being completely natural:
  1. Start adjusting light exposure before your trip to decrease the length of time you will feel jet lagged. ...
  2. Consider taking melatonin supplements if you're traveling east. ...
  3. Time your flight. ...
  4. Try to sleep during your flight.


MORE DETAILS

Hydrate and Eat Sensibly: In-Flight Care During the flight, take actions to minimize jet lag. Stay hydrated by drinking water and herbal teas and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Choose light, balanced meals and snacks to keep your body nourished but not overloaded.

MORE DETAILS

And when you're looking at long journey, a sleepless flight can make overcoming jet lag that much harder. Yes, of course flying business class with a lie-flat bed is better when it comes to sleeping and adjusting time zones. Duh: This isn't some grand revelation.

MORE DETAILS

Six Ways Flight Attendants Live With Jet Lag
  1. 1 Water.
  2. 2 Eat light.
  3. 3 Use breaks.
  4. 4 Down route.
  5. 5 Sleep.
  6. 6 Don't push.


MORE DETAILS

How to Get Over Jet Lag?
  1. Be Strategic with Your Light Exposure. ...
  2. Take Melatonin Supplements. ...
  3. Time Your Exercise Right. ...
  4. Time Your Meals Right. ...
  5. Pay Down Sleep Debt and Get in Circadian Alignment Before Your Flight. ...
  6. Maintain Excellent Sleep Hygiene. ...
  7. Start Adjusting Before You Travel. ...
  8. Don't Stress.


MORE DETAILS

You (as a pilot) must learn to manage it, that is all. Common ways pilots avoid jetlag is staying hydrated, good rest, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising, or sleeping on the airplane. For long-haul flights airlines use multiple pilots for the flight to allow each pilot to get some rest.

MORE DETAILS