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Depending upon where you are coming from, one
of the first adjustments you will have to face after your
arrival in the United States is "jet lag." Jet lag
is the physical shock of your body adjusting to a new time
zone. Its intensity will depend upon how many time zones you
have crossed during your travel to the United States. While
your body is adjusting to a new daily rhythm, you may experience
headaches, disorientation, sleeplessness, or sleepiness. Many
people find that for every hour of time difference, it takes
one day to completely overcome the effects of jet lag. However,
you may find that you are through the worst of it in about
half that time. After this period of adjustment, you should
be able to function normally and follow a regular daily schedule.
There are a number of things you can do to help yourself
through the transition. Attempt, as much as possible, to follow
the normal eating and sleeping patterns of your new time zone.
Resist taking naps in the middle of the day since it will
make it more difficult to sleep at night and will only serve
to prolong your jet lag. Instead, take a walk, exercise, or
plan activities with friends during the day when you find
you are tired. Exposure to sunlight or other light during
the day can also help your body's clock to reset. Because
of jet lag, it is recommended that you arrive in the United
States at least a few days before the start of classes to
permit your body to get adapted to a new time zone.
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