Jet lag is a common issue people experience while traveling. This condition describes some sleep problems and other symptoms you may develop after a long-distance trip. When traveling across more than three time zones, our bodies can not adapt to these changes quickly. It takes time for the circadian rhythm to adjust to new sleep and wake cycles in a new destination.
How can you overcome jet lag? Generally, people recover from most of the symptoms on their own. There is a real chance that circadian rhythm sleep disorder will disappear in a few days without any jet lag treatment. Still, aromatherapy may become a helpful technique to shorten the adaptation period.
Jet Lag: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors
Whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, jet lag can ruin your plans. Our bodies may produce hormones improperly, which can later have an adverse effect on our appetite, life energy, heart function, or mood. Jet lag affects different people differently. Although it may cause unpleasant disturbances to adults, children may not notice any problems adapting to new time zones.
What are the symptoms of jet lag?
The main symptoms of jet lag include:
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Insomnia;
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Headaches;
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Drowsiness during the day;
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Fatigue;
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Irritability;
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Lack of concentration and focus.
What are the causes of jet lag? It happens when you travel over three time zones and more. Traveling by plane worsens jet lag, while your body moves faster than your circadian rhythms and brain can process the time change. Sitting long hours on a plane, experiencing decreased air pressure in the airplane cabin, and dehydration can aggravate the condition.
What are the risk factors for developing jet lag? The duration of the trip itself may become a risk factor for getting jet lag. It’s also important to realize that eastward trips may cause more severe jet lag symptoms than westward ones. Poor sleep before the flight can increase the chances of getting jet lag after arrival. Significant stress, alcohol, or caffeine can disrupt your sleep. Moreover, based on scientific research, people over 60 experience more frequent changes in circadian rhythms and are more likely to get jet lag.
Aromatherapy as the Way to Cope with Jet Lag
Looking for ways to overcome jet lag naturally? By using natural essential oils, you will reach the required effect rather quickly. There are oils to revitalize and energize your body and mind and those that make you relax and soothe. Let’s take a look at essential oils worth considering to overcome the effects of jet lag or to prevent this condition:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular choices for coping with jet lag. It is a top pick for reducing after-trip stress and promoting relaxation. Its soothing properties contribute to more effective sleep and eliminate the effects of jet lag on your health.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium is an essential oil that supports hormonal balance, especially melatonin. It also helps manage other body functions, such as hunger and mood. A massage with this oil facilitates muscle relaxation after long flight hours in a seated position.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Feeling anxious, stressed, and tense after a flight? Diffuse lemongrass essential oil to ease these symptoms. Its refreshing aroma eliminates fatigue connected with tiresome plane trips and ensures your body clock works as it should.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
This essential oil has calming and relaxing properties. It helps relieve tiredness and fatigue and promotes sound sleep. Jet lag often comes with brain fog, and cedarwood makes you more alert.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus has strong healing properties. It helps relieve headaches, nausea, and other health conditions caused by jet lag.
Top Methods to Use Essential Oils for Jet Lags
Aromatherapy can help eliminate or prevent the symptoms of jet lag in many simple and efficient ways:
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Roll-On Treatment: The roll-on application is the easiest way to use aromatherapy during trips. Roll-on bottles with fragrance oils are small enough to put into your hand luggage. You can use them on your hands, temples, or forehead to ease jet lag symptoms.
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Diffusers: Many luxury hotels are currently adopting aromatherapy practices. Essential oil diffusers make it possible to eliminate the impact of long trips on hotel guests. These devices can be established in a hotel room, a lounge, a meeting room, or any other area - the options are aplenty.
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Essential Oil Jewelry: If you are keen on fashion and like wearing jewelry, you can combine pleasant with useful. Try an essential oil bracelet or necklace and enhance your aromatherapy experience on the go. You can always refill the jewelry capsule with a few drops of oil from the carry-on bottle of your favorite fragrance.
Finalizing the Topic
There is no need to endure the hassle of jet lag or wait until its symptoms disappear. Natural essential oils can abolish all the disturbances caused by tiresome travels. Get pure sophistication from your trip, and let nothing spoil it!
