Whether you’re heading overseas or exploring closer to home, travel can take a toll on your body. From jet lag to motion sickness and travel fatigue, these common issues can turn an exciting trip into a stressful experience. The good news? There are effective remedies to help you stay comfortable and alert while you travel.
At Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield, we support travellers from Gravesend, Dartford, and surrounding areas with trusted advice and tailored travel health solutions. Here’s what you need to know about managing jet lag, motion sickness, and fatigue, and how to treat them effectively.
Jet Lag: Resetting Your Internal Clock
Jet lag happens when you cross multiple time zones quickly, disrupting your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Symptoms can include:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Daytime drowsiness
- Digestive issues
- Difficulty concentrating
Remedies That Work:
- Melatonin supplements: Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep. Taking it at your destination’s bedtime can help your body adjust more quickly.
- Expose yourself to sunlight: Natural light is one of the most powerful tools to reset your internal clock. Try to spend time outdoors during daylight hours at your destination.
- Gradually adjust your sleep schedule: A few days before your flight, start shifting your bedtime by an hour or two to get closer to your destination’s time zone.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine: These can disrupt your sleep cycle and worsen jet lag symptoms.
You can speak to our team at Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield for safe melatonin options and personalised sleep support before you fly.
Motion Sickness: Preventing Nausea on the Move
Motion sickness affects people in cars, planes, boats, or buses. It’s caused by a mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sweating, or vomiting.
Remedies That Work:
- Antihistamines like cinnarizine or promethazine: These are commonly used and available over the counter to prevent and treat nausea.
- Acupressure wristbands: These apply gentle pressure to a specific point on the wrist (P6), which may help reduce nausea.
- Ginger tablets or sweets: Ginger is a natural remedy that has shown effectiveness in easing motion sickness symptoms.
- Look at the horizon: Keeping your eyes focused on a stable object can help reduce the sensory mismatch.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, stop by Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield to speak to our pharmacists about the best options for your trip. We serve customers from Dartford, Gravesend, and beyond with personalised travel health advice.
Travel Fatigue: How to Stay Energised
Even if you’re not changing time zones, long journeys, cramped seating, and interrupted sleep can leave you feeling drained. Travel fatigue can reduce your ability to enjoy your destination, especially during the first few days.
Remedies That Work:
- Short naps (20–30 minutes): These help restore alertness without leaving you groggy.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a major cause of tiredness. Drink water regularly during flights and road trips.
- Move regularly: Stretching your legs or walking every couple of hours boosts circulation and reduces muscle stiffness.
- Consider B-vitamin supplements: These help support energy metabolism and may help reduce travel-related fatigue, especially during long-haul trips.
We offer a range of energy-boosting supplements at Hodgson Pharmacy. Just ask our team for recommendations based on your needs.
Travel with Confidence from Longfield, Gravesend, and Dartford
At Hodgson Pharmacy, we’re more than just a local pharmacy. We’re your trusted travel health partner. Whether you’re going on a family holiday, business trip, or backpacking adventure, we’re here to help you stay well while you’re away.
Our services include:
- Travel vaccinations
- Malaria prevention tablets
- Motion sickness treatments
- Jet lag and sleep support
- Personalised travel advice
Visit Hodgson Pharmacy Before You Travel
Don’t let jet lag, motion sickness, or fatigue ruin your trip. Visit Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield, trusted by travellers from Gravesend, Dartford, and the surrounding area for expert guidance, essential travel medicines, and helpful tips to stay healthy on the go.