I’m a health expert – this is how I avoid jet lag and back pain during flights
A HEALTH expert has revealed how to avoid both jet lag and back pain during long flights.
Although jet lag is one of the main concerns for passengers, back pain and deep vein thrombosis can also affect people if they aren't careful.
Experts from have explained their best tips for combatting jet lag and staying healthy while on board a plane.
The key to dodging jet lag is adapting to your new time zone as quickly as possible.
Struggling to adapt can not only affect our sleep, but also our gut, with indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating all common among sufferers.
There are different methods for adapting quickly to new surroundings, but the time you're due to land is the most important thing to consider.
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AXA recommend sleeping on the plane and avoiding eating if you're scheduled to land in the morning in your destination.
They said: "If you’re flying while it’s night time in your destination, try and sleep on the plane and hold off eating until breakfast time
"If possible, wait until you’ve landed and get a hearty breakfast or brunch and some natural light with it too.
"This will help your body recognise that it’s the start of the day – regardless of what time it was when you left."
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The experts also explain that both fresh underwear and breath can let your body know when it's the start of the day.
They added: "Clean your teeth and wash your face before you go to sleep and then again when you wake up and freshen up with clean underwear and deodorant before you land.
"This all goes some way to helping you and your body adjust."
On the other hand, if you're due to land in the evening the recommendation is to stay awake as long as you can before getting a good night's rest at your destination.
AXA said: "If you’ll be landing towards the end of the day, stay awake on the plane as much as you can, keep yourself entertained and move and stretch regularly.
"Start winding down as you approach your destination so you can get to sleep as soon as possible and then force yourself to wake up at a reasonable time in the morning. "
Aside from jet lag, back pain is another common complaint for passengers, with cramped aeroplane seating, particularly in economy class, doing your posture no favours.
The advice for keeping your back comfortable on a flight is to put your bag in the overhead bins and use a cushion to support your lower back.
The experts said: "Cramming your bag under the seat in front of you so you can get things more easily isn’t going to help; put your bag in the locker rather than under the seat.
"Your body will appreciate the extra leg room and if you need to get something else out – the extra movement will also do you good.
"If you’ve got any back pain, sit upright with support, such as a small cushion, in the small of your back."
Finally, AXA suggests regular movement around the plane to stop your body from becoming tense and to keep your blood flowing.
This can also prevent deep vein thrombosis.
They said: "Remembering to move is really important. Get up and walk around the cabin as much as possible, and do some shoulder and ankle rolls and stretches in your seat.
"This movement will help to keep your blood flowing and to prevent you from becoming stiff and tense."
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