Combat jet lag with simple preventive measures
The dictionary defines "jet lag" as "a temporary disruption of the body's normal biological rhythms after high-speed air travel through several time zones."

OK, this isn't anything we haven't heard or experienced before, right? So, from a medical standpoint, what is jet lag?

"Circadian rhythms" are our bodies' natural time clock. They run on a 24-hour basis, like the days. If you travel to Arizona from Los Angeles, you're OK. Jet lag doesn't really kick in. But as you approach the rest of the country, and as the time change grows, your body's timer stays either ahead or behind.

how do we combat this?

Find out the time change ahead of time. Try to adjust your sleep habits about a week before you leave. Start by going to bed either a half-hour earlier or later, and work up. This may put a cramp in your social life, but it's better to pay 50% now, than 100% later.

Sleep on the plane. If you find out at the very last minute that you will be leaving on the next red-eye from L.A. to New York, take a catnap on the plane. For the first half of the time on your flight, you should sleep, but wake yourself up or have the flight attendant wake you for the second half. You may have been told to "caffeine out" or "have a drink" for sleep, but experience has proven that this only makes matters worse. You swell, dehydrate or -- worst of all -- get constipated!

Bring a pillow. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to get complete rest in the air, but you will certainly rest better if you bring along a bean bag neck pillow and and eye mask.  It helps. Also, change into comfortable clothing and drink plenty of water and chamomile tea. The cabin is usually dark and quiet. If the plane isn't full, you can always find some extra seats to lie down on and stretch out. Most people aren't aware of this travel secret when flights aren't as booked.

Order your airplane food ahead of time. Although some may tout it, airplane food will never be considered fine dining. Try to order ahead of time -- your best choice is a low-sodium, vegetarian meal -- or bring your own food aboard. Try to remember what you feel like after you eat lightly, rather than a heavy pasta meal, on the ground. It's pretty much the same in the air. Pasta will slow you down and make you tired, because it contains carbohydrates. Chicken and vegetables have protein, which feeds your system and gives it energy.

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