Jet lag is that awful feeling when you fly across different time zones and you find that you’re sleepy when you’re supposed to be awake and wired when it’s time for bed.
As someone who used to do a lot of coast-to-coast traveling, I was often frustrated with jet lag. What can be done?
Dr. Andrew Weil, probably one of the best known holistic medical doctors, has some suggestions.
The physical problem that causes jet lag is thought to be related to the pineal gland. This gland is located in your brain, and secretes an important hormone whenever your eyes sense prolonged darkness. This hormone is called melatonin. Dr. Weil suggests using a melatonin supplement to help your body understand when it’s time to go to bed. He suggests one milligram per night for the first few nights. Incidentally, melatonin is also an antioxidant and is being tested in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients.
This website goes further in suggesting that you can combine the melatonin with some bright light in the morning. The light causes the melatonin in your body to slow down and allows you to get your day started.
So, the prescription?
Bright light in the morning.
One milligram of melatonin in the evening.
And heck, if that doesn’t work, you can try this customized “jet lag plan” from StopJetLag.com for $25-$35. I have no idea if it works, but they have some nice customer testimonials.
Author by Daryl Kulak
