Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Some science...

So with a lack of substance to my days (the odd meeting but otherwise a pretty quiet week) the jetlag continues to manifest itself.

It makes reclining a very dangerous occupation. And I do like to recline.

I used to read on the sofa but since moving to Thailand my favourite place to read is on my bed. (We have a very funky sofa that everyone admires but which is deeply, deeply uncomfortable.)

So I set myself up on the bed. I might pinch another pillow to pretend that I’m going to sit upright but give me a couple of pages, the chance to drain my mug of tea and I’ll be prostrate before long.

Alongside inducing temporary narcolepsy, the jetlag has affected my judgement. I’m sure if I could be bothered to look it up, I’d find research to that effect. According to the investigation I did make the effort to do, the amygdala is part of the basal ganglia, and situated in the temporal lobe of the brain and is critically involved in computing the emotional significance of events.

Well the jetlag has buggered mine up.

I got the kids up for school and they both seemed fit. Well, as fit as you can be at 5.45am - the middle of the night whatever time zone you’re in. I sent them down to their bus and almost instantly I had misgivings about sending Son.

After returning to my bed to read, I was hit with another episode of jetlag induced narcolepsy. I was woken by the ‘phone at *ahem* 9.30 by the school nurse informing me Son was poorly and requesting that I come and collect him.

I am officially a waste of space. I shall be so until at least the weekend.

11 comments:

Queenie said...

My own recipe for jet-lag is only ever to rest, during the day, on our uncomfortable sofa (the one in the kitchen - fine to sit on but, as a two-seater, very uncomfortable to lie down on). Then I catch cat-naps, which help, but don't sleep for hours, which doesn't.

Getting lots of daylight on your retinas is also supposed to help re-set your body clock, so I try to spend more time than usual outside, ideally in sunlight without sunglasses on.

Some people swear by melatonin. I've never tried it but maybe, with the amount of flying you do, it would be worth you giving it a go?

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Jet-lag can make me feel so confused, but then again that isn't very difficult.

Hope your son is better soon and that you're feeling livelier by the weekend.

Flowerpot said...

I feel just the same and I haven't got any excuse! It's poist christmas-itis and the fact that we have SNOW - yes, here in cornwall, and everything has ground to a halt - all the schools closed etc.

Lane Mathias said...

Sounds like my normal state:-)

Hope you're better soon.

Chris Stovell said...

Oh dear... that's the bit about going to the States that I'm not looking forwards to!

Simon R said...

What is the problem J? Going east is easy. The secret is to arrive at Bangkok airport, get to the hotel as soon as possible and unpack bags, and then IMMEDIATELY find a bar sporting a collection of cold beers. Drink said beers. Sleep for 2 hours. And voila, you're entirely ready for the rest of the week. For those with a weaker constitution, you might have to also augment with some large buckets of Starbucks black "go go" juice. Simples!..

(In your case gin & tonic is an acceptable substitute [for the beer rather than the sleep!])

Anonymous said...

You poor thing, having to stay in bed...!! I remember having jetlag many years ago and it was bloody awful. Take care and don't do too much.

CJ xx

Karen said...

I'm woefully inexperienced in this department, having flown only twice in my life - once very long ago, and once just as far as Scotland - but I hope you're feeling better now :o)

Angie said...

Hope the jetlag has eased off a bit. You've been traveling like crazy this year (or rather last year...), no wonder it's catching up with you! Get some rest and take care of yourself.
xx

sheepish said...

Hope you and son are feeling better and that you will soon be back to your normal cheery self. Take care.

DJ Kirkby said...

I'd liek to see a pic of your funky uncomfortable sofa. Hope your jetlag goes soon. Word veri= askmob