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Is jet lag disrupting your travel experience? There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling tired and groggy after a long flight. Whether you’re embarking on a new adventure or just returning home, jet lag is a common consequence of extended travel. While it can affect anyone, research suggests that redheads may experience jet lag differently. Here’s what we know about jet lag and some practical tips to help mitigate its effects on your next trip:
What is jet lag?
According to the CDC, jet lag is a temporary sleep problem caused by a mismatch between a person’s normal daily rhythms and a new time zone. It typically occurs when someone travels across multiple time zones. Jet lag can affect your mood, concentration, digestion, and overall physical and mental performance.
The longer you travel and the more time zones you cross, the worse your jet lag may be. Long-haul travel can also cause jet lag symptoms to stick around longer. Some research shows that it may take about one day per time zone crossed to recover fully.
How are redheads affected?
While jet lag can impact anyone traveling long distances, individuals with sleep disorders and redheads may be particularly susceptible. Here are three reasons why redheads might experience jet lag more acutely than the general population:
- Pain Perception: Redheads are known to perceive pain differently, especially when it comes to thermal sensations, such as extreme heat or cold. This heightened sensitivity can lead to greater discomfort during travel and when acclimating to new climates, potentially exacerbating jet lag symptoms.
- Sleep Patterns: The MC1R gene, which is responsible for red hair, may also influence sleep patterns. This genetic factor could contribute to increased challenges when adjusting to new time zones.
- Sensitivities: Redheads often have heightened sensitivities, including to light. Both natural and artificial light can trigger headaches, eye strain, and other discomforts that may intensify the effects of jet lag.
How to combat jet lag?
After reading this, you might feel inclined to reconsider your next trip and opt to stay home. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to combat jet lag, along with tips to make your journey easier:
Before/after you travel
- Adjust your body’s clock slowly: In the days leading up to your travels, you can help your body adjust by going to bed earlier or later, depending on where you will be traveling. Move your bedtime an hour at a time over a few days to help you adjust. You can also do this in reverse when returning home.
- Plan ahead: If you have the time, you could try adding a day or two extra to the beginning of your trip to help you adjust before any significant events or outings. It can also be helpful to schedule a few days off work after your trip to adjust on the other end.
While you travel
- Eat safe, gentle foods in small portions to avoid stomach discomfort.
- Stay hydrated to avoid headaches.
- Bring layers on the plane to help keep your body temperature comfortable.
- Pack an eye mask and earplugs on the plane and in the hotel to help you sleep even if it is not nighttime.
- Sleep when you are tired, even in the middle of the day in your new destination. Even a short power nap can help.
- Skip the alcohol and caffeine to avoid disrupting your sleep.
Watch more here and head to the comment section to read more:
@howtobearedhead Jetlag is a common issue for all hair colors but some evidence suggests redheads have have a unique physciological response to travel fatigue because: 1. Studies have shown redheads often perceive pain differently – especially thermal pain (extreme heat or cold) 2. The MC1R gene could influence sleep patterns in redheads and genetic variations, including those with hair & skin pigmentation (sterotypical fair skin and red hair) might find it harder to adjust to new time zones ⏰ 3. Redheads are known to (sometimes) be more sensitive. This increased sensitivity can make redheads more susceptible to the disruptive effects of artificial lighting — and can worsen jetlag. Studies are still being done but if you feel like you feel jetlag worse, you might not be alone ✈️ 👨🦰👩🦰 #fyp #facts #viral #jetlag
Rock it like a Redhead!
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