When crossing multiple time zones while traveling, the body often experiences a phenomenon known as jet lag.
The time zone changes disrupt your body's inner clock which synchronized the hormonal and chemical cycles.
When those get out of sync, your body experiences a condition where it feels groggy and tired, similar to a hangover or a drug withdrawal.
Experts agree that there are several strategies you can take to help minimize jet lag effects.
Before you leave home, start shifting your bed time by an hour each night for at least 3 or 4 nights before you depart.
If you are flying east, you shift your bedtime by an hour earlier each night.
If you are flying west, you shift your bedtime by an hour later each night.
But, remember that this will only help if you also shift your wake-up times as well.
If you go to bed earlier, then you would also wake up earlier.
If you go to bed later, then wake up later.
During the flight, go ahead and shift your watch to your destination's time zone and start behaving as if you've already arrived.
If your watch tells you that it's time to eat, you eat.
If your watch tells you it's time to sleep, you sleep.
While in flight, drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated, but avoid coffee and alcohol since they are diuretics.
Once you arrive, do not take a nap.
Push yourself through until it is your normal bedtime according to your new location's time zone.
If you can't make it all the way to your normal bedtime, at least try and make it to early evening.
Spend as much time as possible in the sun which will help your body's clock adjust.
If you absolutely must nap, limit it to one hour.
With each nap you take, you delay your adjustment to local time.