UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
#16
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
When you get to the other end, as others have said, get on the new local time ASAP. If /when you start to feel tired but it's too early for bedtime, and especially if it is still light, get outside for a walk, jog, Pulaski a tree...anything to wake you up. Apparently the exposure to sunlight when your body is expecting dark helps to reset the body clock.
#17
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
In 2012 I flew LHR-SAN 10 times. Fewer in 2013 - maybe six times.
I find the jetlag to be a killer. The first night I go to bed at my normal time - because that's what time it was by the time I am in the house and have checked my mail etc.
I'll then usually be awake at 12am/1am onwards. The next night I'll fall asleep on my feet at 6 or 7pm, awake at 1/2am.
And repeat for 3-4 more nights, with the times for both getting later by an hour each day.
This is with melatonin and daytime sunshine.
Friday I'm flying LHR-SAN, one way and first class....along with a multitude of reasons I can no longer physically cope with the jetlag at both ends.
I find the jetlag to be a killer. The first night I go to bed at my normal time - because that's what time it was by the time I am in the house and have checked my mail etc.
I'll then usually be awake at 12am/1am onwards. The next night I'll fall asleep on my feet at 6 or 7pm, awake at 1/2am.
And repeat for 3-4 more nights, with the times for both getting later by an hour each day.
This is with melatonin and daytime sunshine.
Friday I'm flying LHR-SAN, one way and first class....along with a multitude of reasons I can no longer physically cope with the jetlag at both ends.
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 50
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
Same as the others. I moved out here to OC 2 or so weeks ago and had no problem adjusting. Jet lag was the least of my concerns, haha! Although, I was already on an American schedule because of all the paperwork and communication an 8hour difference causes anyway.
#19
Rootbeeraholic
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 2,280
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
As others have mentioned, try and stay up. When I was coming over 10-12 times/yr I used to always try and go out the first night so I didn't just sit around and fall asleep early. I found if I could stay up until 10.30-11 ish that did the trick and I settled right into the time zone.
Going East however is just getting harder for me (young kid adds to this!) so if anyone has tips for US to UK I'm all ears!!
Going East however is just getting harder for me (young kid adds to this!) so if anyone has tips for US to UK I'm all ears!!
#20
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2013
Location: Valencia, CA
Posts: 60
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
Thanks everyone for your comments! Looks like the consensus is to stay away when I get there and change my watch when I board the plane!
I'll be leaving LHR at around 11:30am arriving into LAX around 3pm.
I'll be leaving LHR at around 11:30am arriving into LAX around 3pm.
#21
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
If you can plan to have some things you have to do and be somewhere for after you arrive and for a couple of days, it makes you stay awake and be aware of the time.
#22
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
As others have mentioned, try and stay up. When I was coming over 10-12 times/yr I used to always try and go out the first night so I didn't just sit around and fall asleep early. I found if I could stay up until 10.30-11 ish that did the trick and I settled right into the time zone.
Going East however is just getting harder for me (young kid adds to this!) so if anyone has tips for US to UK I'm all ears!!
Going East however is just getting harder for me (young kid adds to this!) so if anyone has tips for US to UK I'm all ears!!
#23
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
I suffer badly from jetlag - can never sleep on the plane I set my watch to my destination's time when we take off and try not to worry about it. For me it takes several days to catch up.
Good luck with your move, how exciting!
Good luck with your move, how exciting!
#24
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
My last flight MAN - SAN I stayed up he night before, drove to the hire car drop off (risky) and boarded the mid morning flight to LA. Having a first class seat helped and after the meal I set my watch for CA time and went to sleep until just before landing.
I stayed up until 11pm and slept right through to 7am and I was perfectly adjusted to the new time in a day.
I stayed up until 11pm and slept right through to 7am and I was perfectly adjusted to the new time in a day.
#25
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 195
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
As others have said, flying West is easier than flying East, I have never flown to LAX but when I arrived in Dallas or Nashville before it was normally well into the evening so I just grabbed something to eat and stayed up until my normal bad time, I normally like to go to the Airport super early (I'm paranoid about missing flights) so I basically left my house in the middle of the night to get to the airport so I stayed up. Flying East is a killer though.
#26
Re: UK to US Jet Lag (LHR to LAX)
Hi all,
Sorry if I'm not posting this in the correct place. I will be moving out to California in 3 weeks time and just wondering what everyone's experience with jet lag has been and tips to avoid it.
What is the best time of day to depart the UK... Morning/afternoon/evening?
Ash
Sorry if I'm not posting this in the correct place. I will be moving out to California in 3 weeks time and just wondering what everyone's experience with jet lag has been and tips to avoid it.
What is the best time of day to depart the UK... Morning/afternoon/evening?
Ash