100% correct. I have traveled to the UK for work quite a few times and I usually feel worse trying to adjust when I'm there than when I get back home. Jet lag is a *****, especially since I have a really hard time sleeping on planes.
Everyone is affected differently. I don't sleep on planes...at all...unless they bump me to first with a horizontal bed...which almost never happens.
Key's to stave off jet lag:
* NO NAPS. Period. You go on local time upon arrival (almost always early morning in Europe). Do what you have to do to avoid naps. Caffeine. Walks, Workouts. Whatever. Go to bed at bedtime local time. Naps will prolong jet lag big time.
* Exercise. Even if you don't feel like it at all, get a run in...or similar.
* Get up at local "get up" time. Preferably earlier than you do at home.
* Again, no naps...the whole time you are in the different time zone.
* Get some sun. Some sunshine will help reset your circadian rhythm. Do this even if it is cloudy (or even raining). Get some daytime outdoor time.
That's it. It would be interesting to know how early our guys will arrive (I'm guessing a week or so) and what their regimen will be to help them be as fresh as possible. It is not a trivial obstacle to overcome.
GBR!