Jet Lag: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when your body's internal clock is out of sync with the new time zone.

Jet Lag FAQ

Image credit: sleepopolis.com

How can I prevent jet lag?

Simple lifestyle changes and / or prescription medication can help minimise the negative impacts of jet lag. Melatonin a naturally occurring hormone helps control sleep. Speak to our travel health pharmacist for more advice.

Can You recover from jet lag?

Although you can’t fully recover from jet lag until your circadian rhythm adjusts to the new time zone, you can take practical steps to minimize symptoms . Many of these tips also cut down on travel fatigue or the dehydration and exhaustion that can occur during long trips.

Does sunlight help Jet Lag?

Sunshine can actually be a great way to fight jet lag, so go for a walk outside or to check out some outdoor attractions. When your eyes don’t receive enough light, your brain produces melatonin, a hormone which makes you sleepy.

What is jet lag & why is it a problem?

Jet lag refers to the misalignment of your body’s internal clock with the local time at your destination. This phenomenon occurs when flying across three or more time zones and tends to be worse with the more time zones crossed. Jet lag can throw off your sleep and cause other bothersome symptoms that persist for days or even weeks after a flight.

How long does jet lag last?

Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed. Jet lag is temporary.

Is jet lag a sleep disorder?

Jet lag is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s internal circadian clock is out of sync with the time zone they are in. Common jet lag symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and digestive problems. The circadian clock takes about 1-1.5 days to adapt per time zone crossed.

How to reduce jet lag?

keep active by stretching and regularly walking around the cabin do not drink too much caffeine or alcohol – they can make jet lag worse change your sleep schedule to the new time zone as quickly as possible go outside during the day – natural light will help your body clock adjust