Asleep- Jet Lag

Jet Lag, by the time you realize it’s gotten its talons into you, it’s generally too late – you’ve fallen asleep in a meeting, slept through your best friend’s wedding, missed a job interview or worse. The condition, known scientifically as desynchronosis, is the result of crossing time zones faster than your internal clock can keep up. While the condition is typically brought on by air travel, it actually has to do with what are known as Circadian rhythms, (the scientific term for the natural times our bodies are susceptible to falling asleep). According to sleep researchers, there are two peak times a day when these rhythms kick in, 3 am to 5 am and 3 pm to 5 pm. (Not surprisingly, research also shows there to be a disproportionate number of traffic accidents at those times – we said there was much worse than falling asleep at a meeting!)

So, what can you do to combat jet lag if you have a lengthy trip in your future? There are many who opt for a chemically assisted solution, i.e. popping a sleeping pill and drifting off to sleep once the plane has reached cruising altitude. Certainly this would ensure you get to your destination rested, but sleeping pills come with their own set of potential complications. Since my work, throughout my career, has necessitated travel throughout the US and parts of Europe, I’ve developed a number of methods for attempting to combating jet lag. One of these has always been to pack a blend of rooibos and chamomile for the journey. I like to bring a couple of tea sacs in my carry-on and infuse a cup once airborne. The herbal combo soothes the mind and body and provides the body with a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants, making my arrival a little more easy to deal with. In this version of our secret blend, we’ve added a dash of all natural caramel flavoring to help you drift off to dreamland. Simply brew, ease the seat back and enjoy.