Here are all my Posts in one easy place because there has been a lot of them!
While I am working on the LA marathon recap and wrapping up Princess, I thought this would be a good article to pass the time!
Red eyes are great as they allow for you not waste as much time traveling across the country as a regular flight. For example, my red eye on Thursday is from 10:55PM-5:35AM but if I took a flight on Friday it would be 945AM-522PM. This is a huge difference and saves you a day. And honestly to be at the airport and ready for a 9AM flight, I still have to get up at least by 6 so you lack sleep either way.
One thing I get asked a lot how do I recover from taking a red eye and it can take a bit of practice and timing but here are some easy tips to help you along.
1. Make sure to get lots of sleep leading up to the flight
This is crucial. Your body needs to be in good shape to deal with the lack of sleep. If you are sleeping 8-9 hours per night leadig up to the red eye, then you will have a much easier time adjusting. Remember: the sleep that really matters is the one the night before for how your body adjusts n
2. Try and sleep as much as you can on the plane
Red eyes are also very short flights. The one I just took was 4 hours and 10 min from gate to gate. I slept about 3 hours-I always stay up for te safety announcements, take offs and snack/drink time. It's always good to have snack on deck and water in your system to go to sleep.
3. Coffee is your friend as is water
It's important when you get off the plane to start hydrating. Florida is very humid and you lose about 6-8 oz of water every hour you fly. By drinking water heavily
For a few hours it will give your body time to adjust. After that, if you need it, have a normal amount of caffeine. I often have coffee or tea in the morning so I cup of coffee before we head to the parks is plenty for me. Don't overdo it or your body my rebel. This will give you enough energy to get through the morning.
4. Naps are also your friend
You will need a nap whether you are accustomed to them or not. Naps will energize you but don't nap too long as it can wreck havoc on your sleep that night. I always try and take an hour nap at some point In the day. Just know sleep inertia will make you want to sleep longer but make sure to fight it. If you have a race the next day-as we did this time-it will help you get tired enough to get to bed early.
5. Naps will continue to be your friend
You will probably need naps for 1-3 days after to continue to adjust to your lack of sleep. This is okay as your body adjusts to the time difference and destabilizes.
6. Listen to your body
This is important as you will be adjusting to a time change as well. The stomach usually take 1-2 days per hour you are adjusting to so your eating schedule may be off. I usually for the first few days have a small breakfast of coffee and fruit and then just eat lunch at 1130/12 as my body readjusts. It will get better as you go along.
Also make sure you are staying hydrated and not overdoing the caffeine. You want your body to adjust and not rebel.
7. Enjoy the journey
You're on vacation so make sure to have fun!
Have you ever taken a red eye? What are some of your tips?
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