snoozBLOG

We all know the feeling.  You get off a plane and your mouth tastes like old socks, your eyes burn in the light, and your skin feels like rubber.  What is going on?  All you did was sit there for a few hours!

Here's a few tips for feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on arrival (and a little explanation about why they should work):

• Get a pair of Bose noise canceling headphones for the flights.
  Why? The noise level on a commercial flight is practically the same as a chain saw.
• Drink only water or an electrolyte enhanced water on the plane and LOTS of it.
  Why? Here's a pilot's blog with a great explanation of why flying is like a convection oven; all heat and evaporation. (He says drink 32 ounces an hour; I stick with the conventional wisdom of 8 ounces an hour.)
• Always do a little bit of exercise (even toe touches and brisk walking) as soon as you get off the plane.
  Why? Passengers blood oxygen levels decrease while flying. Exercise increases oxygen levels.
• Wear an eyeshade if you're resting.
  Why? The body produces less melatonin when it's not exposed to darkness. Melatonin tells your body when it's time to sleep and time to wake (circadian rhythm). 

Happy trails!