Feeling Unwell After Flying? Here’s What You Need to Know

Have you ever felt sick or tired after a long flight? You’re not alone. Airplane sickness, also known as motion sickness, is a common experience for many travelers. Along with other factors such as jet lag and travel health, it can greatly affect your body. But don’t worry, there are ways to combat these issues and feel better after your flight. In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that can contribute to feeling unwell after flying and what doctors recommend to help you feel your best.

Airplane Sickness: Causes and Symptoms

Airplane sickness is a type of motion sickness that can occur during air travel. It is caused by the sensory confusion that happens when your body feels like it’s moving, but your eyes don’t see any movement. This can happen due to the constant vibrations and movements of the aircraft, as well as the changes in air pressure and altitude. Some people are more prone to airplane sickness than others, and it can also be affected by factors such as turbulence, sitting in a window seat, or reading while in flight.

The symptoms of airplane sickness can vary from person to person but generally include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. It can also cause sweating, salivation, and an overall feeling of discomfort. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can greatly affect your travel experience.

Tips to Combat Airplane Sickness

If you’re prone to airplane sickness or are worried about experiencing it during your flight, there are some steps you can take to minimize the symptoms. First and foremost, it’s important to choose a seat that will be most comfortable for you. If you know that sitting in a window seat makes you feel more nauseous, opt for an aisle seat instead. You can also try to avoid reading or looking at screens during the flight, as this can contribute to the sensory confusion that causes airplane sickness.

Another helpful tip is to stay hydrated during your flight. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the symptoms of airplane sickness. It’s also a good idea to eat light, non-greasy meals before and during the flight. Ginger can also be a helpful remedy for nausea, so consider bringing ginger candy or tea with you on your flight.

Jet Lag: Causes and Symptoms

Jet lag is another common issue that travelers face when flying long distances. It is caused by the disruption of our body’s natural circadian rhythm, or internal clock, due to the change in time zones. Our bodies are used to certain times for sleeping and waking, and when we travel quickly across time zones, it can take some time for our internal clocks to adjust.

The symptoms of jet lag can include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can affect your productivity and enjoyment during your trip, and can even last for a few days after your flight.

Tips to Combat Jet Lag

While there is no surefire way to completely avoid jet lag, there are some steps you can take to minimize its effects. One helpful tip is to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your flight to align with your destination’s time zone. This can help your body gradually adapt to the new time zone.

During your flight, try to get some sleep to help your body adjust to the new time zone. You can also try to stay awake until your usual bedtime at your destination, even if you feel tired upon arrival. This will help you get back on track with your sleep schedule.

Travel Health Factors

Aside from airplane sickness and jet lag, there are other travel health factors that can affect your well-being during and after your flight. These can include dehydration, exposure to germs and viruses, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the legs due to long periods of sitting.

To combat these health factors, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Wearing compression socks during the flight can also help prevent DVT. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer, can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses.

What to Do if You Feel Unwell After Flying

If you experience any symptoms of airplane sickness, jet lag, or other travel health issues during or after your flight, it’s important to take care of yourself. Take breaks to stretch and