With the FFA Cup underway, jet-lag is often the problem for soccer clubs and executive teams to deal with, as sleeping patterns get thrown around.
There may not be an exact treatment for jet-lag, but there are ways to effectively reduce its affects.
In Australia, there could be up to a 3 hour time difference between states, meaning performance could be hampered if there isn’t the luxury of recovering either side of traveling.
Planning ahead is always a good way of dealing with the drain of jet-lag, and there are many ways that you adjust quickly to a fresh environment.
Before traveling:
- Get into a different sleeping pattern by going to sleep in line with the new timezone.
- Find ways to relax before going to bed.
- Avoid heavy meals as they increase sleep drive and make it difficult to stay awake.
During the flight:
- Drink plenty of water – this ensures you stay alert.
- If it’s currently overnight at the destination, go to sleep.
- If awake, stay active with stretching and regularly walking around the cabin.
- Do not drink caffeine or alcohol – that makes jet-lag worse.
After you arrive:
- Match up with the sleeping schedule as quickly as possible.
- Use an alarm so that there’s no oversleeping in the morning.
- Go outside in daylight hours – natural light helps the body clock adjust.
- Do not go to sleep until a reasonable hour when everyone else normally sleeps for the destination.
It can be tough to deal with jet-lag, but following the above steps should hold you in good stead if you’re doing long-distance travel.
If prepared in advance, you won’t feel the pinch as much as it may seem.