DEPARTURE LOUNGE // AUTUMN 2018
Planes like the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner also help reduce some causes of jet lag .
jet lag . Cutting out in-flight alcohol and caffeine will also prevent dehydration , which worsens the symptoms of jet lag . Drinking water is key and , as much as your seat partner might hate the frequent interruptions for bathroom trips , it ’ s also good to stay active in your seat or in the aisle to prevent blood clots , he adds . The travel doctor says it ’ s ideal to sleep as much as possible on the flight – but cautions against those who might be tempted to pop a sleeping pill or allergy medications to zonk out : “ Sleeping tablets can have residual effects such as drowsiness once you have reached your destination . This could prove problematic if you need to perform complex tasks upon arrival , for example , attend a business meeting .” He says pharmaceuticals should only be used as a last resort and always after a discussion with your doctor about what safe options are available : “ You will be advised of both the pros and cons , so that you can make an informed
decision on whether to use sleeping tablets .” On arrival , adapt to the local schedule as soon as possible , recommends Vincent . “ Optimise exposure to sunlight after arrival from either direction . Exposure to sunlight in the morning moves the circadian rhythm forward , while exposure to sunlight in the evening delays the stage and encourages later sleep .” And if you just can ’ t make it ’ til sundown ? “ Take short naps of 20 to 30 minutes to increase energy but not undermine nighttime sleep .” The bottom line , says Rossouw , is that frequent travellers need to educate themselves and find a combination of preventions that work for them : “ By increasing people ’ s understanding of jet lag and how to avoid it , we might be able to reduce jet lag ’ s prevalence . In doing so , I am sure that more people will find travelling enjoyable . After all , it is not simply about the destination but also the journey .”
TECHNOLOGY & JET LAG
Q
Air travel has become so routine that it ’ s often hard to imagine we ’ ve only been at it for about 115 years . Yet we ’ re just hitting our stride when it comes to aerodynamic innovation , according to Sue Petrie , British Airways ’ Commercial Manager for Southern Africa . She says air travel will change “ radically for the better ” in the next few years , thanks to advances in design and materials . The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner was recently announced as the first plane to be made mostly from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic , rather than aluminium , which is supposed to cut down on the pressurisation of the cabin and allow pilots to fly at a lower altitude . Flying lower can help reduce altitude sickness and dehydration . Meanwhile , Air Mauritius ’ new A350-900 aircraft boasts “ up to four times less noise than its competitors ”, along with seating in business class that lies fully flat and , the most crucial for jet lag , highly sophisticated LED ambient lighting . “ The possibility to choose from 16.7 million colours allows airlines to … [ mimic ] natural sunrise and sunset , and help reduce the effects of jet lag ,” says an airline spokesperson .
* The fine print : The information in this article should not be treated as a substitute for the trusted advice of a licenced medical practitioner . Please consult your doctor before travel .
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