Is napping after a red-eye the way to go? It sure does feel like it. But what if it's bad for your health - and your trip? Conde Nast Traveler's editorial staff debates the issue in a recent article.
In favor of sleeping it off is David Jeffreys.
"All you need is a good power nap, blinds drawn, an invigorating hot shower, and perhaps a nibble to see you through the rest of the day and night," he says.
Jeffreys recommends trying to find a day room at a hotel in which to freshen up and take a nap.
Francina Morel agrees, saying that it can make or break a trip.
"The times that I have stayed up after a red-eye have almost ruined my entire trip because I end up always feeling groggy and fatigued-exploring the streets of Belgrade is fun, sure, but a lot less enjoyable when you can barely keep your eyes open," she points out.
But other staffers say you shouldn't catch any zzzs until later in the day.
"As much as I'd love to snooze after a long flight-and, since I'm basically cursed when it comes to falling asleep while in transit, I really would-I'd almost always prefer to stay awake, at least until 9 p.m. local time, to better adjust to the change in time zone and get myself on (at least some semblance of) a schedule," writes Betsy Blumenthal.
Lale Arikoglu also says that staying awake is an efficient way to reduce jet lag and says going for a stroll can help. Why would you want to sleep anyway?
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"A leisurely stroll with the help of some strong coffee and plenty of pit-stops means I can find somewhere to have a decent meal-therefore minimizing post-flight hunger rage-and start exploring straight away (or just lounge on the beach, for that matter-I'm not crazy)," says Arikoglu.
For more on this debate, read on here.
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