Jetlag

If you’re flying across three or more time zones, expect to encounter some jetlag. Fatigue, disorientation, and insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are the most common complaints. Generally, the more time zones you cross, the more crippling the symptoms, although sometimes they’re more severe traveling one direction than the other (say, east to west). The standard prescription for reducing jetlag includes getting plenty of rest before your flight, drinking plenty of water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and, once aboard the plane, setting your watch to your destination’s time and eating and sleeping accordingly. Some travelers swear by melatonin, but taking the wrong dose at the wrong time can worsen symptoms.

Personally, I use No-Jet-Lag, a homeopathic pill taken shortly before, during, and shortly after the flight. I then recommend going to bed around 10pm (or later, if you can hold out) and just letting yourself sleep until you wake up; for this reason, a private room for the first few nights is ideal. If you find yourself up at 4am, don’t fret—in some cities, the party’s still raging. But if you need more decompress time, get a head start on your rocknroll sightseeing and see the city as few people do.

For more information about why you pass out at 5pm, only to wake up at 10pm and unable to fall asleep again, check out this link.