If I fly non-stop from Australia to Europe, is jet lag likely to be worse than if I have a two-day stopover?

What if … I fly non-stop from Australia to Europe, is jet lag likely to be worse than if i have a two-day stopover?

According to Professor Dorothy Bruck, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, "Having a two day stop-over when flying from Australia to Europe is definitely a good idea for reducing jet lag.

"It will allow your body clock to move closer to the time at your European destination. It will also help you recover from the tiredness, and perhaps stress, of departure and travel to the stopover.

"However, it does depend on what you do on your stopover.

"It's important to get outdoor light as this will help re-set your body clock.

"Perhaps plan for a stopover swim in the hotel pool.

"Travelling west to Europe means you will be going to bed later than your body clock is used to, so stay up longer compared to your Australian body clock setting.

"Short naps are fine if that helps. The same advice applies when you land in Europe – get outdoor light, go to bed later (at Europe's bedtime) and use naps if necessary."

sleephealthfoundation.org.au