Question for long haul veterans ...

paulyoung666

It's our first long haul flight next year to Japan.

The flight going is 10am UK till 9am Japan next day.

And the return is 10am Japan till 4pm UK same day.

Which and what is going to be the worst for my body clock ?

I've tried applying logic to this and I can't work it out !!!

I'm looking for hints and tips to try and minimise jet lag issues , like staying up before I go , sleeping a lot before I come back , that sort of thing.

Cheers [emoji106]

gg13533

Depends how long you are staying in Japan for.  When I got on the plane I used to put my watch to the destination time and fit eating and sleeping around that.  Mind you I never suffered jet lag in 2 years of solid long haul.  Only time was when I flew in from Canada and then the same day flew out to Hong Kong, didn’t know where I was or what I was doing.

domtheone

At least you have daytime flights!  I find overnighters terrible.

I've not done many so not really sure which way is worse.   Maybe coming home as I guess when you get there you're all excited so can brush it off easier.

Then you get back home to this country and feel depressed about the place you just left

paulyoung666

We're going for 2 weeks and I fear there are going to be withdrawl symptoms after coming back ....

Iain42

I've always found going east more difficult than going west.  I guess it is easier to force the body to stay awake than to go to sleep when you're not tired.

Many years ago, I was recommended melatonin by a German colleague, and I have found that helps.

Astaroth

Generally you are worse when going east than west. When you land at 9am, the start of a full day it'll be 1am for you and so the end of a long day. Its generally hard to force yourself to sleep properly when your not yet tired and probably excited about the holiday.

LV426

I'd agree; the eastward (outbound) trip I find worse.  The westbound (return) trip is like staying up late, and we've all done that.  You'll find yourself wide awake at stupid o'clock in the morning for a few days after your return.  As to the outbound, the important thing is to FORCE (and I mean force - it may take a lot of willpower) to get moving at the correct time the next morning - you'll want to sleep until midday or thereabouts.

Help?  You may not get this easily - certainly not in the UK - but I find Melatonin (which is OTC in health stores in the USA) helpful to re-regulate body clock and sleep patterns.

paulyoung666

Thanks for the replys all [emoji106]

domtheone

I've only been West once and East several times.

Off to Thailand in 10 days (wahoo).  2 x flights.  Flying at night for my first flight then a daytime flight from Dubai to Bkk.  Finally get to BKK the next evening.   Probably be knackered but i'll check into my hotel.  Out for a few drinks then back to bed around Midnight Thai time.  Probably sleep for a solid 8 hrs.   Next day i'll be on Thai time and all will be normal for me.

True Romance

Unless your flying business class with a  bed your going to suffer. However it doesn't take long to get over it and you'll soon adjust to the time differences. Enjoy and don't forget to post some pics or vlogs . Always wanted to do Japan, does look like an amazing country.