Padnos International Center  


Barbara H. Padnos International Center
130 Lake Ontario Hall
Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: 616-331-3898
Fax: 616-331-3899
studyabroad@gvsu.edu

Fighting Jet Lag

Jet lag is a common ailment travelers experience when changing time zones rapidly. This means that only those students going on long trips will experience it. It will likely take a couple of days to fully adjust to the time at your study abroad destination. It is in your best interest to try to adjust as quickly as possible. You may find that you will want to go to bed during the late afternoon or early evening hours and you will want to be awake during the middle of the night.

Consider the following tips when traveling:

  • When arriving in the host country, try to stay awake until the local bedtime.  This may mean that you will need to stay awake for an extended period of time.
  • Avoid taking short naps in the middle of the day.
  • Spend time outdoors in order to adjust to the day cycle; since body rhythms are regulated by food and sunlight, being outdoors will help with the transition.
  • Try to get a good night's sleep the night before you are due to leave and sleep on the airplane.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and other beverages containing caffeine on the plane; instead, drink plenty of water.
  • Walk and do stretching exercises on the plane.
  • Avoid eating between meals for the first week or so.
  Last Modified Date: April 2, 2009
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