As millions of holidaymakers and business travellers prepare for long-haul trips this year, the struggle to beat jet lag remains a common issue among many. While remedies range from blackout blinds to herbal teas and high-tech light therapy masks, a quieter, often overlooked solution might be hiding in your carry-on bag already — and no, it’s not some trendy melatonin gummies or noise-cancelling headphones.

According to UK-based sustainable bookseller Awesome Books, the key to adjusting your internal rhythm when travelling could be as simple as reading a good novel. The company’s founder, Taskeen Ahmed, believes that reading a physical book in natural light offers more than just entertainment — it can gently trick your body into alignment with the new local time. “When you read a physical book in natural light, you’re doing two powerful things at once,” she shared.

“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.”

This approach, she says, is especially helpful in the early days of a trip, when your circadian rhythm is most out of step.

Unlike screen-based activities that emit blue light and inhibit melatonin — the hormone that regulates sleep — reading a printed book offers a restful mental distraction without the sleep-sabotaging side effects.

“Fiction is especially useful,” Taskeen added. “It gives your brain a story to follow, helping you unwind without overstimulating.”

The trick lies not just in what you read, but when and where, as daylight is crucial, making mornings or early afternoons the ideal time to immerse yourself in your book.

Doing so outside can further boost the benefits, with fresh air, sunlight, and the quiet mindfulness of being concentrated on just reading.

Taskeen also warned against using e-readers or tablets, even those with dimmed displays, as they can have the opposite effect and keep you up longer than necessary.

The founder added: “Even if you're reading on a tablet in ‘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.”

And like most habits, consistency counts, so Taskeen recommends repeating the routine for two or three days after arrival to help the body settle into its new rhythm.