Jetlag advice
 

Hi all,

There is a possibility of me having to travel to America (I'm in the UK), before coming back again, and then a few days later flying out to Barbados for my holiday.

I was wondering if any frequent fliers could give me advice...
Fly out Tues May 29th... (to St Louis)
Fly back Tues June 5th / Wed June 6th
(Likely NWA Business Class)

Fly to Barbados June 9th (Virgin Economy)

I may be able to say no to the trip, My wife and I don't want to ruin our holiday if it means I'm going to be tired out for the first few days.

Let me know your thoughts frequent fliers!

Thanks
James

Hi there,

I'm not quite sure what the question is ... but in my opinion, this is no problem .. I've done trips where I've flown back from the US one day, and left again to Canada the day after ... try to get some sleep on the plane, that's all.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

Sorry question is... Am I gonna be so tired out from the USA trip + flight to barabdos, that I'll just want to sleep the first few days of my holiday in Barbados

You should be fine, especially as you are in Biz Class over the water.

Take 10 mg Ambien on the eastbound (US-UK) leg and sleep well.

Take 3 mg of Melatonin (purchase in US, over the counter) at bedtime for the days you are back in the UK.

Whatever you do when you arrive back in the UK, don't fall asleep for a long nap. Stay awake the first day until at least 9 pm. 10-11 pm better. Then sleep through the night.

You should be fine, especially as you are in Biz Class over the water.

Take 10 mg Ambien on the eastbound (US-UK) leg and sleep well.

Take 3 mg of Melatonin (purchase in US, over the counter) at bedtime for the days you are back in the UK.

Whatever you do when you arrive back in the UK, don't fall asleep for a long nap. Stay awake the first day until at least 9 pm. 10-11 pm better. Then sleep through the night.

agreed

start using destination time as soon as you sit down in the airplane. use caffiene and cold water to stay awake, alcohol to goto sleep.

Melatonin
 

I would be cautious about using melatonin. I have just been reading a book "Natural Causes" by Dan Hurley.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076...893530-3789463

There is some really alarming nformation about the incidence of severe side effects with melatonin.

I've never bothered with the drugs. I'd get my body accustomed to the new time zone As Soon As Possible.

Westbound, try to stay awake on the plane. It'll be a long day, but if you can stay up in the US until 10pm, then sleep through the night, you'll be fine the next day.

Eastbound, try to go to sleep shortly after the meal service, then have breakfast and stay awake all day European time, go to sleep at 10pm and again, you'll be fine the next day.

I've found jet lag tends to hit much less severely when it's a leisure rather than business trip. The combination of psychological boost from added fun and a more flexible schedule usually results in little effect for me.

I would also second someone's comment about switching yourself to the time of the destination as quickly as possible. I, for one, always adjust my watch as soon as I get on the plane for a cross-time zone trip.

Going west a few (5 or so) hours is easy; you just go to bed & get up earlier. Unless you normally go to bed unusually early, this isn't a problem. As long as you get enough sleep while back in the UK, I think you'll be fine.

I don't think you'll have a problem. You'll be flying business, so its not like you'll be cramped... and in those seats, you'd be able to get a good shuteye should you so decide. Also you're gonna be in the US for >1wk, jet lag won't be an issue

Also you have a 2-3 day gap before you fly again, plenny of time to charge up.

IMHO, you're golden!

Why not just adjust US time when in STL and stay there for the 3 days back in the UK.

Get up at noon, go to sleep at 3am...

I'm not sure what you're supposed to do once the pubs close at 11, but I'm sure there'll be something decent on TV...

:p

In addition to all the good advice about sleeptimes, setting watches, and the like, the one thing that really helps me cope with jet lag is a sauna session after arrival. Gets the circulation going and cuts through that brain fog, and thus helps me to adjust much more quickly. I take it you'll be staying in business/convention type hotels, so hopfeully that'll be a real option for you.