Traveling across time zones can significantly impact sleep patterns, potentially ruining the enjoyment of a vacation. This challenge, known as jet lag, affects a vast number of travelers, but Wendy Kopp, CEO and co-founder of Teach for All, has discovered a unique solution that she swears by. Kopp, who previously dealt with severe jet lag—especially when traveling from east to west—revealed to CNBC that a simple two-step trick transformed her travel experience.
Kopp’s method is surprisingly straightforward: she suggests skipping meals during the flight and immediately going for a run upon landing, before eating anything. Many people may find this approach counterintuitive or impractical, especially when physical activity can feel burdensome after a long flight. Nevertheless, since adopting this routine, Kopp claims she has not experienced jet lag again. This unconventional strategy, while challenging, aligns with advice from experts who advocate for exercise and meal timing as effective means to alleviate jet lag.
Scientific studies support Kopp’s method by highlighting the benefits of exercise, particularly outdoors, in combating jet lag. Engaging in physical activity helps the body adjust its circadian rhythm—the internal clock that dictates sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, refraining from eating on the plane can aid in resetting this rhythm and minimizing gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and gas, which often accompany long flights. For those who might feel overwhelmed by Kopp’s suggestion, there are several alternative techniques to help mitigate the effects of jet lag.
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist, offers practical advice for travelers. She recommends gradually adjusting one’s sleep schedule by 15 minutes each day in the direction of the destination’s time zone in the weeks leading up to a trip. Once on the plane, she advises travelers to set their devices to the new time zone, enabling them to eat, sleep, and adapt accordingly. Furthermore, upon arrival, seeking out natural sunlight and fresh air can significantly assist the body in calibrating to a new sleep-wake schedule.
Alcohol consumption is another aspect to reconsider while traveling. Experts warn that alcohol can lead to dehydration, disrupt sleep quality, and hinder the body’s ability to adjust to a new time zone. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol during and after flights, as this can enable a smoother transition into the new environment. Beyond these recommendations, some unconventional advice, like performing the Macarena mid-flight or grounding oneself by standing barefoot on the earth upon arrival, also exists to help travelers reconnect with their surroundings and regain energy.
In summary, managing jet lag requires conscientious preparation and a willingness to adapt. Wendy Kopp’s innovative method of skipping in-flight meals and exercising immediately upon arrival, while perhaps daunting, is supported by scientific understanding of body rhythms and the benefits of routine adjustment. Incorporating gradual sleep changes, optimizing exposure to natural light, and limiting alcohol are practical strategies that can enhance the travel experience. Although some of the advice may seem unusual, the key to overcoming jet lag lies in finding what works best for individual needs and preferences.
