Good news for holidaymakers with a sweet tooth; chocolate could actually help your overall wellbeing during a flight!
No, we don't just mean because it tastes so good. New research has revealed that it's one of the ingredients that could help you beat jet lag after long journeys.
The study by Australian airline Qantas and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre showed that certain foods can help reduce the impact of jet lag, such as chilli and chocolate.
The airline has been trialling different lighting, sleep schedules and mealtimes on volunteers to see how they can improve the experience for passengers on long-haul flights.
Movement and exercise also proved a "key element".
The study comes ahead of the airline's Project Sunrise, which will see direct routes between London to Sydney launching from late 2025.
Qantas operated three Project Sunrise research flights from New York and London to Sydney in 2019 in partnership with Australian researchers to collect the data.
During the research they also adjusted the timing of when meals were served, to try and align the body clock "by using specific menu items including fish and chicken paired with fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as comfort foods like soups and milk-based desserts".
Researchers say they were looking to promote the brain’s production of the amino acid tryptophan to help passengers drift off more easily.
Peter Cistulli, Professor of Sleep Medicine at the University of Sydney said while the research was ongoing, there were "clear signs" that the different elements helped reduce the impact of long-haul flights.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the national carrier was excited by the prospect of minimising jetlag and revolutionising international flying for all travellers.
You can find out more about the study here.
In the meantime, experts have shared plenty of tips for beating jet lag, including the drinks you may want to swerve.
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, recommends cutting back on alcohol and caffeine if you've got a longer flight.
"Alcohol suppresses the production of melatonin, so disturbing circadian rhythms," she explained. "It may initially make you feel sleepy, but alcohol is broken down in the body into acetaldehyde, which is a stimulant."
Not only that, but "caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant" which means "it induces wakefulness and is often used to fight sleep in those who need to stay awake".
Still, staying hydrated is just as important.
Studies have shown that passengers can lose 465ml of water an hour while onboard a plane, simply through their skin and by breathing - that's compared to just 125ml an hour usually.
Being dehydrated can contribute to fatigue and headaches, making jet lag worse, so it’s a good idea to keep drinking fluids during a flight.
Have you got any great tips for beating jet lag? Let us know in the comments below.
