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Preventing jetlag
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Jetlag is a common problem for travellers, especially during long-haul flights
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JETLAG IS a condition in which the person's sleep cycle is disturbed by travel across time zones. The schedule of metabolic function of the body in a smooth rhythm is influenced by the set pattern of times of eating, sleeping, working and performing other activities.
However, when one travels across the time zones these are disturbed and, added to these, external stimuli like sunshine in the new area dictate a different pattern, leaving the body out of sync in the new environs.
Apart from the time zones, the environment in the airplane is another cause: dry due to reduced humidity, pressurisation, noise, and cramped space.
The common symptoms apart from sleeplessness are daytime fatigue, stomach ache, headache, irritability, decreased attention, and so on.
The dry environs of the plane can also cause dry eyes, dry and irritated nose, earache, muscle cramps, bloating of abdomen, dizziness, swelling at the ankles due to lack of movement.
Helpful tips
Before embarking on the plane, try to ensure that business and personal affairs are in order. Try to get a good sleep the night before the journey.
To combat the dry air in the aircraft, keep drinking a lot of water as it is better than coffee, tea or fruit juices. Avoid alcohol as the rarefied atmosphere can cause further dehydration and intoxication.
Use blindfolds and earplugs while trying to sleep in the aircraft during long haul flights.
Walking up and down the aisle, standing, twisting and stretching while sitting will ease the discomfort and prevent swelling at the ankles and also formation of clots.
During a stopover, leave the plane for a brisk walk if possible.
On reaching home, a warm shower should improve the muscle tone and circulation.
Avoid sleeping pills as they could worsen the dizziness.
Treatment
Give it enough time and jetlag disappears. Nevertheless, if symptoms persist even after 24 hours, homoeopathic medicines will help clears the symptoms and improve alertness.
To maximise enjoyment of sightseeing as well as productivity, enthusiastic travellers suffering from jetlag are cured by Coffea Cruda.
Pain in the limbs due to cramped up spaces and the muscular soreness due to lack of sleep are cured by Cocculus. Patients of sinusitis whose symptoms worsen due to dry air can take Alumina before the flight.
Homoeopathy ensures you a safe landing.
DR. VENUGOPAL GOURI
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