Dr. Sarah Brewer, author of some 20 books on health issues, says that to deal with the time zone changes, "try going to bed earlier than usual for several nights" ahead of your journey. Conversely, if traveling east to west -- New York to Los Angeles, say -- stay up later than usual for a few evenings ahead of time.
During the flight, stick to non-alcoholic drinks -- but plenty of them -- and light meals. She also recommends high-dose antioxidants such as one to three grams of vitamin C and 400 units of vitamin E before, during and after the journey, plus 50 to 100 milligrams twice a day of high-strength vitamin B complex during the flight and for the first two days after arrival.
After you get to where you are going, Brewer says, some alternative medication can help you adjust. "Herbal sleep preparations containing natural extracts of valerian, lemon balm and hops will help you to rest," she says. "Alternatively, use essential oil of lavender to relax and rosemary or lemon to help keep you stimulated and awake."
