Is Chocolate the Secret to Beating Jet Lag?

Alright, here’s a travel hack that’s as sweet as it sounds.

If you’re dreading the inevitable jet lag on your next long-haul flight, it might be time to pack some chocolate in your carry-on.

Yep, you heard that right—chocolate!

A Sweet Study on Beating Jet Lag

Qantas, the airline known for its ambitious routes, is gearing up to launch a 20-hour non-stop flight from Sydney to New York in 2025. T

o make this marathon journey more bearable, they teamed up with the University of Sydney to crack the code on avoiding jet lag.

They enlisted 23 brave volunteers, equipped them with monitors, and simulated long flights to test different factors like lighting and meal choices.

The surprising finding?

Those who enjoyed a bit of chocolate during the flight seemed to have a better overall experience.

The Delicious Details

So, what exactly did the researchers discover? Here are the highlights:

• Better Sleep: Passengers who indulged in chocolate slept better on the plane.
• Reduced Jet Lag: These chocolate munchers had fewer jet lag issues after landing.
• Sharper Minds: They even performed better on cognitive tests post-flight.

The magic ingredient might be tryptophan, a compound found in comfort foods like chocolate (and turkey, for your Thanksgiving trivia).

Tryptophan helps the body produce serotonin, which can enhance sleep and mood—perfect for tackling jet lag.

Should You Give It a Try?

Now, before you raid the duty-free shop for all the chocolate bars, remember that this is just one study. But hey, it’s a delicious experiment with minimal downside. So why not give it a shot on your next flight?

At the very least, you’ll have a tasty treat to look forward to.