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Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there's nothing worse than experiencing a bout of jetlag, which can not only interrupt your normal sleep patterns but also cause headaches, lightheadedness, and disorientation. Here are some tips for keeping jetlag at bay.

Get Your Sleep
A few days prior to your trip, begin to adjust your bedtime (an hour a day) in order to more closely match your sleep schedule at your destination. This is especially important if you are traveling west coast to east coast within the United States, as you will be losing time. Do whatever you can to ensure restful sleep during the nights leading up to your trip.

Take Care Of Yourself
In addition to getting good sleep during the days leading up to your trip, you should also be eating well, exercising, and managing your stress level. All of these behaviors promote more effective adaptation to a new time zone.

Drink Plenty Of Water
Many experts believe that dehydration, due to the extremely low humidity levels (2 to 3%) on airplanes, is one of the leading causes of jetlag. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight. In addition, try to avoid drinking alcohol or anything with caffeine, as both will only increase dehydration.

Reset Your Watch
Also, reset your watch to match the time at your destination. From this point forward do the best you can to adapt to your new time zone. If it's daytime there, stay awake. If it's nighttime, try to sleep.

Eat Lightly
Digestion is a big issue when it comes to jetlag, so help out your system and eat lightly. One trick is to call the airline prior to arriving at the airport and order one of their specialty meals such as a vegetarian or diet plate. Besides, who wants to fill up on airplane food when there's probably great food to be found at your destination?

Exercise On The Airplane
That's right. You need to exercise on the plane in order promote good circulation. Stretching your back, arms and legs, as well as walking up and down the aisles a few times are good places to start. Squeezing a rubber ball will help the circulation in your arms and hands. While sitting in your chair, raising your knee and flexing your foot will do the same for your lower appendages.

Adapt On Arrival
The sooner you adapt to your new schedule, the better off you will be. From eating and sleeping to exercise and relaxation, do it at the appropriate times at your destination. If a nap is needed, keep it to less than 45 minutes, as anything longer will affect your nighttime sleep.

Happy traveling!

Content provided under license from Mortgage Success Source, LLC. For more information about Mortgage Success Source, LLC see http://www.mortgagesuccesssource.com.