Travelling to and from a different time zone may be exciting, but it can also be exhausting to adjust.
Fortunately, a British Airways pilot has revealed his hack for beating jet lag after a long-haul flight.
Al Smith works as a senior first officer for the airline and abides by a strict sleep routine to help him feel ready and rested for work.
He has said long-haul flights are a ‘different game’ and revealed how he tries not to lose a night’s sleep despite travelling so much.
‘I plan ahead: sleep before departure, nap after landing and squeeze in a siesta when I can. The key?’ he said in British Airways High Life magazine.
‘Prioritising rest and making time for it, no matter what time zone I’m in.’
According to Al, there are certain things that can help promote good quality rest, including the room and overall surroundings.
For Al, blocking out all of the light in a room is important for him to catch up on some sleep.
A British Airways pilot has revealed his hack for beating jet lag after a long-haul flight (stock)
Al Smith works as a senior first officer for the airline and abides by a strict sleep routine to help him feel ready and rested for work
The pilot added: ‘Every time we’ve moved house, my first priority has been: ‘How do I make my new bedroom feel like the best hotel room ever?’
‘I prefer total darkness when I sleep – I highly recommend plantation shutters with a blackout screen.’
The temperature of the room is also ‘vital’, according to Al.
He explained how he had a ‘two degree tolerance’ before he feels ‘two hot or too cold’ and he’s a big fan of air conditioning.
Good ‘quality bedding’ is another important factor, according to the pilot.
But there is a careful balance to maintain, as too much sleep has caused Al to suffer from insomnia in the past.
Various other travel experts have shared their best tips for beating jet lag too.
Icelandair’s Health Manager, Jóna Björg Jónsdóttir previously revealed her hacks for getting the most out of a trip after a long-haul flight.
‘I plan ahead: sleep before departure, nap after landing and squeeze in a siesta when I can. The key?’ he said (stock)
She recommends the ‘water rule’ which helps to keep passengers well hydrated and is a better choice of drink for sleeping instead of caffeine.
Cabin air is notoriously dry, which can leave you feeling sluggish and dehydrated – two major contributors to jet lag.
Make sure you drink at least one litre of water for every five hours of flight time.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder to adjust when you land. Instead, opt for herbal teas or electrolyte-rich drinks to keep your energy levels steady and recover faster.
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British Airways pilot reveals his strict sleep routine for beating jet leg
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