Does drinking alcohol or coffee help jetlag?

Does drinking alcohol or coffee help jetlag? No - this is a myth! It’s a common misconception that coffee or alcohol can help you with jetlag, but in reality, they can make it much worse. Here's why:

How Coffee Affects Jetlag

While a cup of coffee can give a temporary energy boost, it might not be the best solution for jetlag.

• Disrupts Your Sleep Cycle: Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 6–8 hours. If you drink coffee later in the day to combat fatigue, it can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at the right time in your new time zone.
• Overstimulates Your Body: Jetlag already puts stress on your body as it tries to adapt to a new rhythm. Adding caffeine into the mix may make you feel jittery or anxious, which further disrupts your ability to rest.
• Dehydration Risk: Flights can leave you dehydrated due to the dry cabin air. Since caffeine is a mild diuretic (it encourages your body to lose water), drinking too much coffee can worsen dehydration, leaving you feeling more tired and sluggish.

How Alcohol Affects Jetlag

Many travellers believe that a glass of wine or alcohol on a flight will help them relax and fall asleep more easily. However, alcohol does more harm than good when it comes to jetlag:

• Disrupts Quality of Sleep: While alcohol initially might make you feel drowsy, it significantly reduces the quality of your sleep. It can cause you to wake up frequently and leave you feeling groggy and unrested. This is especially problematic when you’re trying to sync with a new time zone.
• Worsens Dehydration: Alcohol dehydrates your body, and combined with the dry air on planes, this can leave you feeling drained, achy, and more fatigued once you land.
• Delays Adjustment to New Time Zones: Alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate its internal clock, making it harder to adapt to your destination’s schedule.

Long story short: Does drinking alcohol or coffee help jetlag? N0 - Rest and Hydration is Key

Coffee and alcohol can lead to dehydration, which often leaves travellers feeling tired or unwell after a long flight. To feel more refreshed and help your body adjust to a new time zone, focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your journey. Prioritizing water, natural light, and a healthy sleep routine—while avoiding coffee and alcohol—will give your body the best chance to recover from jetlag and make the most of your travels.

Tips to reduce jetlag:

Before You Travel

1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Early
   • A few days before your trip, gradually shift your sleep and wake times to align with your destination’s time zone. For example, go to bed an hour earlier or later depending on your destination.
2. Get Plenty of Rest Before Flying
   • Avoid starting your trip already overtired. Rest well in the days leading up to your flight.
3. Stay Hydrated
   • Dehydration can make jetlag worse. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.
4. Pack a Sleep Kit
   • Bring essentials like an eye mask, earplugs, travel pillow, and noise-cancelling headphones to help you rest during the flight.

During the Flight

1. Sleep at the Right Time
   • If it’s nighttime at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. If it’s daytime, stay awake and keep yourself occupied by reading, watching movies, or walking around the cabin.
2. Move Around and Stretch
   • Regular movement can improve circulation, reduce fatigue, and make you feel less stiff when you land. Stand up, stretch, or take short walks during long flights.

After You Arrive

1. Sync with Local Time Immediately
   • Eat meals, sleep, and wake up according to the local schedule, even if you feel tired. Avoid taking naps that are longer than 20–30 minutes to avoid disrupting your sleep at night.
2. Get Plenty of Natural Light
   • Sunlight helps reset your internal body clock. Spend time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning, to signal to your brain that it’s time to be awake.
3. Take Short Naps if Needed
   • If you’re exhausted, take short 20–30-minute naps during the day to recharge without throwing off your nighttime sleep.
4. Stay Consistent
   • Stick to a regular sleep and meal schedule for the first few days. Consistency will help your body adjust more quickly.

Bonus Travel Hack: Use a Yozax eSIM for Smooth Connectivity

If you’re travelling across time zones, staying connected can help you adjust to jetlag. Use your Yozax eSIM to find local activities, check weather updates, or set alarms for your new schedule without the hassle of unreliable Wi-Fi or roaming charges.