Book expert reveals a simple daily habit that could help reset your body clock faster after long-haul travel
Key Points:
- A book expert reveals how a surprising habit—reading fiction in natural daylight—can help reduce jet lag symptoms
- This technique supports your circadian rhythm without the side effects of other popular remedies like sleeping pills or melatonin
- Founder of Awesome Books, Taskeen Ahmed, explains how this method works and shares tips on when and how to do it for best results
The joy of travelling to a new country can be quickly overshadowed by the groggy fog of jet lag. Whether you’ve landed in Sydney from London or hopped over to New York for a business trip, those first few days of disorientation, poor sleep, and midday crashes can take a toll.
Jet lag occurs when your internal body clock—also known as your circadian rhythm—falls out of sync with the local time. This mismatch can leave you wide awake at 3 a.m. or struggling to stay alert during an afternoon meeting. And while travellers try everything from blackout blinds to herbal teas, one book expert says there’s a far simpler solution you probably haven’t tried.
UK-based Awesome Books, a sustainable bookseller committed to promoting literacy and rescuing over 130 million books from landfill, is shining a light on a novel technique for easing jet lag—quite literally. According to their founder, Taskeen Ahmed, reading in daylight—especially fiction—is a surprisingly effective way to nudge your body back into its natural rhythm.
So, how exactly does flipping pages help fix your sleep schedule? And when should you do it for the best effect?
Why Reading Fiction in Daylight Works
Reading during daylight hours does more than pass the time on a jet-lagged afternoon. According to Taskeen, it can actually support your brain in adjusting to a new time zone.
“When you read a physical book in natural light, you’re doing two powerful things at once,” she explains. “You’re soaking up daylight, which is a natural cue for your body to adjust its internal clock. And you’re focusing your mind in a calm, non-disruptive way.”
Most screen-based activities — scrolling through social media or bingeing Netflix — emit blue light, which has been shown to suppress melatonin production, the hormone your body uses to regulate sleep. That’s why looking at your phone before bed can keep you wired for hours.
But with a book, you get the benefit of mental engagement without the disruptive side effects. “Fiction is especially useful,” Taskeen adds. “It gives your brain a story to follow, helping you unwind without overstimulating.”
How It Compares to Other Remedies
There’s no shortage of jet lag fixes out there — from melatonin tablets to sleep masks to power naps. But many of them either come with side effects or only mask the symptoms.
Melatonin supplements can help, but they’re not regulated in the UK and may not work the same for everyone. Sleeping pills may knock you out, but they don’t help your body naturally adjust to the new schedule. And power naps? Fine in theory — but one accidental three-hour snooze can completely wreck your adjustment plan.
“In comparison, reading in daylight is gentle, side-effect-free and actively supports your circadian rhythm,” says Taskeen. “It doesn’t knock you out or hype you up — it just guides your brain into the right mode at the right time.”
When and How to Use This Trick
Done right, this technique can make a noticeable difference in how fast you adjust.
1. Read in the morning or afternoon — never before bed.
Aim to read when the sun is up and your body is still recalibrating. This boosts exposure to natural light while keeping your mind gently active.
2. Choose physical books over screens.
Even if you’re reading on a tablet with a “night mode,” you’re still dealing with artificial light. A physical book is your best bet for staying relaxed and letting your melatonin production stay on track.
3. Stick to fiction.
Non-fiction can feel like work — especially if it’s dense or information-heavy. Fiction, on the other hand, helps your mind escape while staying in a restful state.
4. Try reading outdoors.
If you’ve just arrived at your destination and the weather allows, sit outside for 20–30 minutes with your book. You’ll get fresh air, sunlight, and the grounding effect of a calm, screen-free activity.
5. Keep it consistent for 2–3 days.
One reading session won’t cure your jet lag, but repeating the habit across a few days — ideally when you arrive and in the early afternoons — can help your body adjust more smoothly.
Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, comments:
“When you travel across time zones, your body clock gets completely out of sync — and that disorientation can really ruin the start of your trip. What many people don’t realise is that some of the go-to jet lag solutions actually make it harder for your brain to adjust.
“Reading fiction in natural daylight is one of the most underrated ways to help your body reset. It keeps you mentally engaged, but unlike screens, it doesn’t mess with your melatonin levels or overstimulate your brain. You’re giving yourself a quiet activity that aligns with the local daylight — which is exactly what your body needs to recalibrate.
“Other remedies like melatonin or naps might offer a short-term fix, but reading supports the long-term shift. It helps you stay awake when you should be, without the crash or chemical interference. It’s such a small change, but for frequent travellers or anyone facing a long-haul flight, it can make a big difference.”
