How to fight jet lag with the right memory pillow
Jet lag, also known as "rapid time zone change syndrome," is a common disorder that affects those who rapidly cross multiple time zones, such as international travelers or pilots. This phenomenon can affect our internal biological clock, causing a series of unpleasant symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances and irritability and other more serious diseases. In this regard, we highlight an interesting article published on PUBMED which highlights the risks of chronic jet lag. However, there are effective strategies to deal with this situation, and one of them concerns the importance of sleeping with adequate support such as a memory pillow.
But what exactly is jet lag and why is it so important to address it? When traveling across different time zones, our body clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other bodily processes, can take time to adapt to the new environment. This delay in adaptation can cause an imbalance in circadian rhythms, leading to typical time zone symptoms. It is essential to address this disorder as it can negatively affect your health and well-being, as well as compromising the travel experience itself.
The most effective strategy to deal with this change is to carefully calculate the travel hours with the time zone hours to be faced and try to arrive in the ideal condition for the time you will find upon arrival, for example if you arrive at your destination in the evening it is preferable to arrive unrested in order to recover the hours of sleep during the first night.
It is very important to ensure quality sleep by also using adequate supports. Here are some practical tips for doing so:
- Choosing a good mattress : The mattress we sleep on has a significant impact on the quality of our sleep. When you return home after an intercontinental trip, make sure you have a mattress that provides the right support for your back and is comfortable and essential for sleeping well.
- Use support pillows : The same goes for pillows which can significantly contribute to improving the quality of your sleep. For those who suffer from the change of time zone, use support pillows, preferably double wave and memory foam, to maintain a correct posture during sleep for maximum benefit, thus avoiding nocturnal awakenings due to pain in the cervical vertebrae.
- Choose a comfortable sleep environment : Minimizing external disturbances, such as light and noise, can help promote restful sleep. Using eye masks, earplugs, or even soothing sounds can be helpful in creating a comfortable sleep environment, especially when you are in new and unfamiliar places.
- Follow a regular sleep routine : Even when traveling, it is advisable to try to maintain a regular sleep routine to help our body adapt to the new time zone more quickly. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, if possible, can be helpful in reducing the effects of jet lag.
- Exposure to natural light : Exposure to natural light can influence our circadian rhythm and help our body adjust to new surroundings more quickly. It is very important to spend time outdoors during daylight hours to help your body synchronize with the new time zone.
- Avoid stimulants before bed : Coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks can impair the quality of your sleep. Avoiding them in the hours before bed can promote a deeper and more restful sleep.
Dealing with jet lag takes time and patience, but by following these tips and paying particular attention to adequate sleep support, you can reduce symptoms and fully enjoy the travel experience. Sleep is critical to health and well-being, so never underestimate the importance, especially when you're in stressful situations like international travel.