Jet lag and how to survive it
Possibly the worst part of travelling across big expanses of our globe is the debilitating effects of the time difference on our bodies. Jet lag is a traveller’s most regularly complained about ailment, and as much as we adults can sleep it off or force ourselves awake in order to combat it quickly, when travelling with young children it can be a completely different situation.
Here’s what you need to know about jet lag, why we get it, and what you can do to make it easier on your kids, and yourself.
What is jet lag?
Jet lag is pain. Jet lag is fatigue. Jet lag is being wide awake at 2am with no chance of sleeping for many, many hours. Essentially all it is, is our body’s reaction to crossing multiple time zones where our internal body clock stays on the time in our originating country. It’s no fun, but it’s something we all go through when we want to see places which are far from home. Find out more about what jetlag actually is here.
How will it affect your baby?
Babies are actually amazing at adjusting to big changes in their routine. Try to feed your baby during your destinations daytime hours as much as possible, and expect to have a few nights of broken sleep while they adjust. Toddlers also are likely to wake up and be wide awake at odd times of the night, but give them plenty of fresh air and sunshine during the day, and their little body clocks will soon sort things out. Discover more about jet lag in babies and toddlers.
What about older children?
As with toddlers, sometimes the best cure for jet lag in older children is to dose them up on fresh air and exercise when it’s daytime in your destination country. Plan some active days to wear them out, and expect at least one marathon sleep when they catch up on lost hours, usually at the most inconvenient time. Find out more about jet lag in older kids here.
How long will it last?
Jet lag recovery time will depend entirely on how far you’ve flown, and in what direction. North to south journeys cross no time zones, so any lethargy or wakefulness will be simply a result of the stress of travelling. Travelling east to west or west to east over great distances will cause the greatest jet lag symptoms, but they vary from person to person. Learn more about how long jet lag lasts.
How can you make it easier on your kids?
Believe it or not, being stricter with alarm clocks and waking up time will actually be doing your kids a big favour. Avoid power naps or siestas, and instead work on pushing through as close as you all can get to ‘actual’ bed time. Your bodies will thank you for it in the morning! Here are some more tips on helping the kids through jet lag.
Can you beat jet lag?
If you’re determined to fly across multiple time zones, you’ll need to be prepared to be a jet setting zombie for at least a few days. However, there are a few things you and your family can do to try and overcome jet lag a bit faster. Read our 15 tips on overcoming jet lag here.
For those flying a long way from home, jet lag is pretty much inevitable. But the way that you and your kids handle it and prepare for it can make a massive difference to the effect it has on your time. Whether you’re holidaying for a fortnight or moving forever, taking control of jet lag can make your early days on your adventure much more pleasant and bearable.
