One constantly on the move Indian management professor had a simple solution for jet lag. He liked to make short trips ? even if it was to another end of the world ? and return before his body clock had adjusted to the new time zone. ?It?s the only way I?ve figured to beat the problem,? he said.

Another international executive who was always hopping in and out of aeroplanes, had a slightly more mundane solution. He didn?t try to fight it. If he was wide awake at 2am, he simply turned on his laptop and went back to work.

It?s an exhausting state that every international traveller knows about and dreads. The international pharmaceuticals companies are spending billions to find a cure. Jet lag is, as we all know, the body?s reaction to crossing multiple times zones. Also throw in the lack of oxygen in a pressurised cabin and the irritations caused by dehydration, unfamiliar foods, cramped spaces, recycled air, and continual low-level noise inside the plane.

The direction of travel also affects the severity of jet lag. Tests show that the condition is worse when you fly from west to east, since it?s more difficult for the body to adjust to ?losing time? when journeying east than to ?gaining time? when flying west. Travelling west is more body clock ?friendly? than flying eastward, as you?re going in the natural direction of your internal clock. Flying eastward will involve ?shrinking? your day in direct opposition to your internal clock?s natural tendency.

In NASA studies of long-haul pilots, westward travel was associated with significantly better sleep quantity and quality than eastward trips. Therefore, it is advisable to change your watch as soon as you get on the flight.

nHow to prevent jet lag? The adjustment time takes about a day for each time zone crossed and may take two or three weeks to completely realign your body clock. So how can you prevent jet lag? No special diet, sleeping aid or schedule has ever been proven to entirely eliminate jet lag. Explains Dr Archana Bhate, ?The best way is to reset your sleep patterns to match the schedule you?ll need to keep at your destination. If you can adjust your sleep pattern by an hour a day, it will help avoid jet lag.?

nDo sleeping pills help? The doctors always advise against them. Says Bhate, ?Try not to use sleeping pills, but if you need to, use them only on the first two or three nights and then stop so you do not get addicted.? Many so-called sleeping pills are variants of anti-histamines and tend to dehydrate adding to the already big problem of dehydration inside the plane. Many travellers also swear by Melatonin pills, a chemical in the body that helps regulate sleep cycles. However, incorrect melatonin usage can induce more fatigue.

Doctors believe that since the air on planes is extremely dry, dehydration is a common problem with fliers. Therefore, drink plenty of water during the flight. Adds Bhate, ?Avoid drinking alcohol or anything with caffeine. Soft drinks are a big no-no as are coffee and tea because they increase dehydration.?

Nutritionists usually recommend a light diet while flying. A protein-rich diet is likely to keep you awake and fatty foods may make you feel sluggish. Eating foods that are easy to digest is advised.

Once inside, use sleeping aids like blindfolds, ear plugs, neckrests and blow-up pillows. Take off your shoes to ease pressure on the feet. Yawn or chew gum to alleviate pressure build-up in your ears especially during take-off and landing.

Sanghamitra Ghosh, executive vice-president, HR, Zee Telefilms has plenty of experience at cross-continental flying. ?I often fly to London and I dread jet lag. But the easiest way to overcome it is to get adequate sleep. I drink lots of water and eat light. It?s better to use earphones to listen to music or earplugs to reduce cabin noise.?

It?s however the job of the airlines to take care of the aviation health of the passengers. Many international airlines are aware of the problems faced by the fliers as long periods of immobility cause legs to swell. To overcome this problem, airlines like British Airways give warning pamphlets, suggesting in-seat ankle exercises to minimise cramps. Other carriers like Singapore Airlines include prevention tips in in-flight magazines, videos and seat-back documents. The Dubai-based Emirates Airlines also gives footpads to boost blood circulation in passengers? legs.

Lastly, get as much exercise as you can. Bhate says, ?Walk up and down the aisle or do stretches in your seat to avoid discomfort, especially swelling of legs and feet. Get off the plane if possible at stopovers, and go for a walk.? Some long-distance flights also have shower facilities. These are refreshing, and strengthen the muscles ensuring proper circulation.