Frequent Flier: Searching For Sleep And Decent Clothing

I never wanted to be the poster boy for the bad effects of jet lag. I always had visions of myself as being the archetypal business traveler: one of those folks who arrives at the airport fresh and pressed, and somehow manages to exit the plane looking the same way.

Michael Lara is the chief executive of the Benison International Group. He says he suffers from jet lag during his frequent trips to Europe.

When these masters of business travel get to their destinations and attend their various meetings they look great, are well rested, coherent and in charge. I was never that guy.

Ive traveled extensively to Europe over the years, especially Germany. Its a long flight, and most business types handle it well. Not me. I feel like a wreck and look like a wreck. And I dont know how to be effective when Im in a state of zombiehood; the only neural connections I can make when I arrive are, at best, Tree, pretty. Fire, hot.

Well-meaning colleagues have offered advice. Covering your eyes is supposed to do the trick. Im the guy wearing the sleep mask in a futile attempt to trick my internal clock into believing that it is night. Wearing earplugs was another little bit of wisdom given to me. I cant hear anything, but Im still wide awake.

Ive tried to get some center aisle seats on the larger planes, even booking two seats for myself. Or Ive taken early flights that usually have extra seats available. I figured maybe if I could stretch out, I could get some rest. That works in theory, but not necessarily in practice.

If youre jet lagged, looking good is a real effort, and is especially difficult when your luggage has been lost. On one business trip, I spent three nights in Frankfurt, waiting for my suitcases. I had to shop at the local stores to find something suitable to wear to client meetings.

Size was an issue. Most Europeans are slim. Im over six feet tall and weigh about 290 pounds. I was able to find a pair of pants. They were wide enough, but one inch too short. I got a white shirt. The neck and chest fit, but the sleeves were too long.

I found a tie. It was olive green, emblazoned with a picture of the Alps. Glitter was used to emphasize the snow-capped mountain peaks. I used a complimentary razor provided by the hotel. It was like shaving with a rock.

When I arrived at my assigned meeting, I looked like a Barnum & Bailey clown who didnt know how to shave.

Once my clients stopped laughing at me, I did get the contract, which made my jet lag and my bad wardrobe a lot more acceptable.

I try to be smarter now. I dress comfortably and in layers, and I pack an extra set of underwear and essentials that will be allowed in a carry-on bag.

The best thing, though, is melatonin, which was recommended by a buddy of mine who is a doctor.

I now take eight milligrams of melatonin about 11 p.m. local time or on board after being in flight for a couple of hours. With the sleep mask, some earplugs and the melatonin, Im in dreamland. The only problem now is that seatmates tell me I snore.

By Michael Lara, as told to Joan Raymond. E-mail: joan.raymond @nytimes.com

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