One downfall of air travel that most people experience is jet lag.  It's that sleepy, foggy feeling that sets in after a long flight, especially one where you go through different time zones.  The difference in time, coupled with dehydration, little movement, and differences in air pressure, can throw off the clock that regulates your circadian rhythms, leaving you out of sorts.  And an out-of-sorts kid equals a cranky kid.  So, how do you deal with the inevitability of jet lag?  Here are some tips.

• Set your clocks now.
  
  To acclimate to the time change, spend the week before your trip going to bed one hour earlier each night if you are traveling from west to east, which is more difficult on the body then traveling in the opposite direction.  Before you board, set your watch to the time zone to which you are traveling.  Try to sleep on the plane if it's night at your destination, and stay awake if it's daytime.




• Get good sleep. 
  
  If you go on a plane tired, you're more likely to suffer the effects of jet lag.  Make sure your family is well rested for the departure flight, and build in a day's rest before returning to work or school after the trip.




• Drink H₂O. 
  
  Dehydration can exacerbate that yucky jet lag feeling.  Drink plenty of water on the flight, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.  That's right; no martinis for the toddlers!




• Do a little travel yoga.
  
  Make sure to stretch and walk around during the flight.  This improves circulation and reduces swelling and the chance of deep vein thrombosis.  Wearing comfortable clothing also helps if you experience swelling.




• Stay up.
  
  If you arrive in Paris during the day, fight the urge to go directly to sleep.  Instead, try to get the family to stay up until it is dark.  This will help you get back into the swing of things more easily.

Any jet-lag-fighting tips to share?