How to fight jet lag

Medications and Vitamins
Melatonin is a chemical in the body that helps regulate sleep cycles. It can be taken in pill form, and many travelers swear by it for fighting jet lag. However, as popular as melatonin is, it's controversial. Studies have indicated that incorrect melatonin usage can make you feel even more fatigued, so be sure to read all instructions before taking the product. For general information, try the National Sleep Foundation.

Magellan's offers a homeopathic remedy, aptly called No-Jet-Lag. The chewable tablets claim to address all jet lag symptoms, and come with a money-back guarantee.

Some travelers use sleeping pills, antihistamines and motion sickness pills to induce sleep on planes, at hotels, in airports and on layovers. While they work for some, others are left feeling miserably groggy. For more information, see Medications for Travel. Consult your doctor before taking any medication.

If all else fails, try an alternate therapy. Light therapy has become a popular treatment for jet lag, and it makes sense. At its heart, jet lag means you're out of step with the rising and setting of the sun. Unfortunately, the jury's still out on this one. Debate centers on precisely what kind of light is best -- natural, artificial, bright or dim. Some researchers and enthusiasts recommend simply spending 15 - 20 minutes in direct sunlight without sunglasses as soon as possible after landing.

An interesting resource for light therapy comes from Outside In, a commercial light therapy outfit: The Jet Lag Calculator. If you have success with this method,   let us know on our message boards.

Dietary Tactics
The so-called "jet lag diet," an alternation of feasting and fasting for three days leading up to a long-haul flight, was very popular a few years back. The military tested the diet, concluding, basically, that it is bunk. Nonetheless, Ronald and Nancy Reagan used it during their White House days, and some travelers still do. If you'd like to try it out for yourself, check out the diet regimen.

Restrict your diet to foods that are easily digested, like those that are relatively high in fiber but not too rich. Fats tend to keep you awake, while carbs usually put you to sleep. If you need to stay awake to help you get on local time, eat peanuts, eggs, meats and other high-protein or fatty foods. If you need to fall asleep, eat carbs like pasta or bread.

Caffeine is also useful if you need to stay awake, but don't go overboard. While it might seem tempting to guzzle several cups of coffee when your eyelids begin to droop, you could end up wide awake at 1 a.m. Be sure to use all dietary changes in moderation.

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