In addition to headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, concentration difficulties, drowsiness, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise and even loss of appetite can occur after long flights.

Treatment for acute jet lag symptoms

Herbal teas made from lemon balm, valerian and hops usually help against the symptoms of jet lag. Mix 30g each of hop cones, lemon balm leaves and valerian root and pour 250ml of boiling water over them. Leave to infuse for ten minutes and drink immediately before going to bed. Pure valerian tea also helps against nervous restlessness and insomnia.

The symptoms usually subside after one or two days, once the body has become accustomed to the new daily rhythm.

Alternating showers after getting up can also help. Shower warm for two minutes, then cold for 30 seconds. Repeat the change three times and end the shower with cold water.

Make sure you get enough sleep, eat a light diet and drink little coffee and no alcohol.

Fear of flying can aggravate or trigger jet lag symptoms. Take tranquillisers or travel tablets, drink camomile tea and inhale aromatic oils (geranium, camomile, lavender, neroli, orange and sandalwood) to combat the fear of flying.

Preventing jet lag

Five days before the start of a long flight, you should eat easily digestible food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Do not eat high-fat foods. Drink little coffee and other caffeinated drinks and avoid coffee altogether from the afternoon onwards. Drink plenty of fluids immediately before the flight, preferably in the form of mineral water and fruit juices. Drink plenty of water during the flight, as the air in aeroplanes is very dry, which can exacerbate jet lag symptoms.

Eat small meals slowly and chew thoroughly during the flight. Avoid alcohol.

For flights in an easterly direction, go to bed an hour earlier a week in advance.
Stay up as late as possible on the day of arrival and do not go to bed before nightfall.
Walk back and forth and stretch more often in the aeroplane.
Take advantage of the sunlight during the flight and look out of the window frequently with sunglasses.