Quote:
Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse
My husband and I are finally about to realize our long-dreamed-of cruise to the tropics this December. We're on the West Coast and our destinations in the Caribbean are 3-4 hours different from our time. My question to you all is, do you have any travel tips particularly in the area of how to cope with changing time zones? I've read that people can become manic OR depressed and I just do not want that to happen on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
I've talked to my pdoc about it and he thinks it'll be fine as long as I stay consistent with my med schedule. I'm normally very good with this, but the time changes will throw me off and the time for getting to the airport will be ridiculous (we fly out at 0630 on Dec. 5th). What all have you done to cope with crazy hours and new experiences? I can hardly wait, and am so excited I can barely stand myself, but I'm also concerned with my health. I've been stable for months now and would hate to mess that up.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.  |
any time zone travel does me in. last sept. we went to so. africa and there were many time zones and time changes that i saw my psych nurse to make sure i was slept completely..which combined ambien w/seroquel. the sleep part of travel worked but for me the adjustment to a new time in a new city/country was difficult the 1st few days. i was never able to `work up' to a specific time zone while still in my home cit by going to bed at a different time, etc. in preparation for the actual travel. i just required more time to sleep and adjust to the new city/country. returning home we went thru 9 time zones and traveled for about 32 hrs. speaking for me, it took more than 2 weeks to finally adjust to my time clock. the travel to so. africa was worth the destabilization but it was rough. even a 2 hr. time difference for me makes me more manic w/more insomnia so i'm taking extra meds during that time for a day or so til i adjust. good luck.