So Tired

"Get up in the morning,
already yawning and I'm so tired.
I Ain't had a wink of sleep
seems like all week.
We're So tired..."
- Eric Clapton


jet lag; Function: noun
: a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body


When we flew to Helsinki from Dallas in April '06 it took 4 nights for the boys to adjust to the 8 hour time difference (with the help of our friend Mr. Benadryl). Flying to Dallas from Helsinki in December '06 it took us about 6 nights, but we were playing musical beds between Grandmas' houses and also had the excitement of Santa's arrival. We are currently in the middle of night 4 and its 0030, the boys and I are awake and staring at each other, bright-eyed!


It is easier to adjust to the new time zone when travel is from east to west (approximately 1-3 days). It is harder to adjust when traveling west to east across two or more time zones (this can take up to 3 weeks). As a general rule of thumb, it will take a day per hour of time change to adjust to your new location...therefore we will be in sync by Monday?!? There is even a homeopathic remedy called No-Jet-Lag on the market. Maybe we should try this next time.


Strategies to aid in a smoother time zone adjustment for children include:

1. Putting your child to sleep at a time that is geared to the new time zone.
2. Serving meals at times that are appropriate for the new location.
3. Encouraging sunlight and daylight exposure in the new time zone to cause the body to make chemical changes that will facilitate your child's sleep/awake readjustment. - www.tinytravelers.net