of traveling to distant lands. There are a half a dozen things you can do to lessen the

impact of crossing time zones. You will need Comfortable clothing for the flight Plenty

of water and a pair of sunglasses. Step 1. Prepare your body for the new time zone by

adjusting your schedule an hour or two earlier -- or later -- in the days just before the

trip. Step 2. About four days before your trip, consume less fat, salt, caffeine, and

sugar, and more fresh fruits and vegetables. Travelers on a typical American diet -- protein-heavy

breakfasts, high-carb dinners -- tend to have a harder time sleeping at their destinations.

Step 3. If at all possible, try to fly west instead of east. It’s easier for the body

to extend the day than to shorten it, so traveling west is easier to adjust to. Step 4. Set your

watch as soon as you board the plane for your destination’s time zone. Try to pretend

that it is already that time and act accordingly--if it’s the middle of the night in your destination,

try to fall asleep as soon as possible. Step 5. Wear comfortable clothing on the plane.

Tight clothing will reduce circulation and cause discomfort, interfering with your ability

to sleep. Step 6. Don’t consume any caffeine or alcohol in flight. They’ll just dehydrate

you and disrupt your sleep patterns. Drink lots of water instead. Get up at least once

every two hours to walk around. This will improve your circulation and reduce muscle

stiffness. Step 7. Wear sunglasses during the last few hours of an overnight flight

and for the first several hours after getting off the plane. Researchers have found that

this helps people adjust their body clocks by altering their light patterns. Step 8.

Resist the urge to nap upon arrival. Instead, try to get some exercise and some exposure

to sunlight to stave off sleep until your normal bedtime. Did you know Hamsters who

were given a shot of Viagra adjusted to a new time zone 20 to 50 percent faster than

a control group, raising the possibility of the drug someday being prescribed for air

travelers.