Bangkok--2 Dec--GraylingThailand
Travellers? tactics include light stretching, healthy food and avoiding alcohol
The findings of a new survey by Skyscanner, the world?s fastest growing global travel search site, has revealed the most popular anti-jetlag techniques used by Asia-Pacific air passengers.
Six thousand Asia-Pacifictravellers took part in the survey, with four out of five saying they?d flown long-haul in the past year. On average, participants statedthey found that it took 2.3 days to recover from the effects of jetlag.
The most popular anti-jetlag technique was found to be eating a light diet of healthy fresh food, with 66% respondents stating they?d tried this and it works. Following closely behind was stretching and taking light exercise on the flight (65%), setting their watch to the new time-zone (58%), staying awake for the duration of the flight (51%) and exercising and getting fresh air before the flight (45%).
More intriguingly, 20% of respondents even said they have tried taking Viagra to combat the effects of jetlag, following historical reports that taking Viagra could aid jetlag recovery.*Sleeping tablets (32%) herbal remedies (31.7%), anti-jet lag pills (27%) and melatonin (22%) were also used by many of the air passengers in the survey.
Participants were also asked to rank which anti-jetlag techniques were most effective. While light exercise and healthy eating were popular activities for flyers, only around half of those who tried this said they were effective in offsetting the effects of a long-haul flight.
The survey raised some eye-raising findings on the effects of alcohol at 30,000 feet. While over a third (33%) of travellers stated that they had consumed alcohol in an attempt to offset jetlag, only a third of those (13%) said that this worked. However, 41% said they had avoided alcohol on-board with almost half (19%) saying it had been successful in negating the effects of jetlag.
Tony Gherardin, National Medical Adviser at the Travel Doctor ? TMC (www.traveldoctor.com.au), noted his tips for effectively combating the effects.
?In an ideal world, to prevent jetlag we should begin taking on the habits of destination time zone before we leave home. That is, eating at the same time and sleeping or resting at the same time as what you would be doing at that destination. Of course this isn?t always possible at home or even while flying.?
?What works reasonably well is to eat light meals and keep hydrated, avoiding heavy foods and alcohol.?
Regarding sleeping tablets, Tony advises that ?safe use of sleeping tablets or melatonin once you?ve reached your destination can also assist in getting your body in sync with the time zone. Said Mr.Gherardin?
Skyscanner?s Marketing Manager for Thailand, Grace PobpaphaAreerat said: ?With the end of year holidays coming up, many will be preparing for long-haul flights, and our survey has shown that people will often try various methods in order to beat jetlag ? but they may not work for everyone?.
Most popular Which alleged ?cures? for jetlag have you ever tried? Yes, I tried it I believe it worked as a cure for jetlag
1 Light and healthy diet 66% 42.7%
2 Stretch/light exercise on flight 65% 38%
3 Set watch to new time zone 58% 32%
4 Stay awake for duration of the flight 51% 21.61%
5 Exercise/fresh air before flight 45% 26%
6 Avoid alcohol completely 41% 19%
7 Drink alcohol 40% 15%
8 Sleeping tablets 32% 12%
9 Herbal remedies 31% 11%
10 Anti-jet lag pills 27% 8%
11 Melatonin 21% 5%
12 Viagra 20% 5%
*http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6676585.stm