Over half of Irish people have said they are planning on holidaying abroad this summer - a wise move considering how wet and dreary the weather in July was!
There's nothing better than stepping off the plane and being hit wit a wave of warmth and sun, a welcome change from the rain in Ireland.
But those travelling further afield and moving through time zones may be at risk of jetlag, leaving them sleepwalking off the plane and tired for days after arriving at their destination.
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But fear not, there is a solution! Flight attendant Maddison Purdy spoke to beauty retailer Cult Beauty about how to beat jet lag to ensure you are not falling asleep while on holidays.
"One of the main causes of jet lag is the disruption of your body’s natural sleep cycle. To counteract this, switch off the blue light on your phone and tablets after a certain time," says Maddison. "Most phones have a setting that will allow you to do this in time with when the sun sets."
Blue light is similar to natural daylight, and exposure to blue light could trick your brain into thinking it is daytime, making it more difficult to sleep.
Another easy tip for beating jet lag is to wear sunglasses if your destination is ahead of your body’s time zone. A pair of sunnies will block out excessive daylight exposure.
"Flight crews always suggest donning sunglasses during your journey from the airport to your accommodation to help your body adjust to the local time and ease into a more relaxed state without straining your eyes," says Maddison.
Gradually adjusting your sleep schedule before you head eastwards can really help alleviate jet lag symptoms, according to the flight attendant. "When travelling east, it is often the time difference that presents the most significant challenge for combating jet lag. To prepare your body for the shift, adopt a gradual approach.
"Start adjusting your sleep schedule one week before your trip by going to bed an hour earlier each night. This pre-emptive step will make the time adjustment smoother and help you feel more refreshed upon arrival," she adds.
If you are feeling tried, consider eating some light snacks to give you a burst of energy. "During instances when you need to stay awake a little longer, especially when the clocks go back, we recommend having a light snack.
"Some travellers might be hesitant to eat during the night time of their home country, but it’s important to remember that food is fuel," Maddison adds.
Brushing your teeth can also help keep you awake, thanks to the mint in the toothpaste: "A common tip among flight crew is to brush your teeth. The mint in the toothpaste can provide an invigorating sensation, giving you a quick burst of energy and temporarily fighting off fatigue."
For those tired or red eyes, gel eye patches are a must. "Travelling can take a toll on your eyes, leaving them feeling tired and dehydrated. Flight attendants swear by gel eye patches as an effective remedy," Maddison says.
If you really feel like you can't keep your eyes open, take short naps, but avoid sleeping for a long time. "However, taking long naps or napping at the wrong time can disrupt your sleep schedule even further, so as soon as you arrive, adjust to the local time. Opt for short power naps (20-30 mins) to recharge without interfering with your night time sleep," Maddison advises.
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