how long does it take to get un-jet lagged?

[CTyankee]

Flew back to CT from LA yesterday afternoon. We both dropped our bags and sat down with a glass of wine. I haven't unpacked (or even opened) my suitcase.

I am now contemplating a shower and washing my hair and it's 1 pm here...

ugh...

[Turbineguy]

1. Less than it takes

to get used to DST time change for some reason.

[tymorial]

4. Now see that's definitely true

I don't get jet lagged but the time change in the spring always kicks my ass. I will be useless for like 2 weeks

[wryter2000]

2. I think it really depends on the person

But my understanding is it takes all of your body processes about three days even though you feel normal before that.

[tymorial]

3. Depends on how well you sleep in general

It also depends on how long you were on a different time. I never get jet lagged but I also never have trouble sleeping. I am lucky that way but then I have terrible allergies in the spring so I would gladly give up that for some jet lag . I do think age also has something to do with it also.

[CTyankee]

5. I guess I'm sunk. I'm 79. And I flew through 3 times zones west to east.

Went from nice and mild to cold.

Will have to dig through the freezer to find something to eat tonight.

Oh, and I'm the caregiver for a spouse with disabilities...

[tymorial]

8. Small naps might help. Get a sleep mask

It might help

[DFW]

7. I agree. Age does have something to do with it.

Activity, too. I'm always amazed that people get messed up by 3 hours difference. With me, it's either 6 or 7. When I go to the USA, it's not too bad. I just get tired earlier than usual and wake up earlier than usual. I adjust to that quickly. What's awful is when I fly back home from North America. I leave North America at, say 6 PM, and 7 hours later, it's 7 AM. If I have a heavy schedule immediately, I bury my jet lag in work, but if I have the first day or two off, I'm a wreck for ten days after I land. I used to be able to handle this better thirty years ago. I nod off on planes, but rarely sleep long on them. Maybe now that they have planes that can do super long-haul flights, like New York-Singapore or Dallas-Brisbane, I might manage it. Maybe when I'm 80, I'll even be able to take the time to find out.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

6. 6 hours

Take the 10pm redeye.
Do not sleep more than 2 hours on the flight.
Eat breakfast after landing.
Sleep for 5 1/2 - 6 hours.
Wake up; have coffee, tea or a Jolt Cola would be even better.
Plan for early night.

Did that every 3rd week for 6 1/2 years.

[CTyankee]

9. I used to love my nighttime flights to Europe from JFK...

I couldn't do that now and I'm probably not gonna take another long, long trip cross country. My dtr and her family can come visit me...

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. As usual your science prevails

Make someone else fly.

[mnhtnbb]

11. I have used that plan when flying to Europe

from the East coast and discovered I could manage without jet lag going east. The trick was to book a hotel for the night before arrival so I could immediately check in straight from the early am airport arrive, have a nap, get up for late lunch and then plan a normal afternoon and evening of fun.

Going home--flying west--totally different story. I'd be awake in the middle of the night for almost a week before my sleep schedule would go back to normal.

[RobinA]

12. Weird How Different

people are. I fly to Europe from the east coast leaving late afternoon/evening, get there in the morning, stow the bags, eat, I’m off for the day and then go to bed their time. Wake up the next day like nothing happened. Coming home I arrive late afternoon, eat, unpack, stay up too late, wake up the next morning like nothing happened. Can’t catch a wink of sleep on the plane. Coming back I might have a couple 15 second dizzy spells for the next two days, nothing debilitating. I’m 60. The one thing I have going for me is I have never needed a lot of sleep. Staying up for 36 hours is just no problem.

[Rhiannon12866]

13. When my mother went to Australia, I gave her some melatonin

It's supposed to reset your biological clock. I wish I had some back in the day, it takes me at least a week...

[jmowreader]

14. Join the Army and you get a free jet lag immunization