Jet Lag

What is Jet Lag

Jet lag, also known as desynchronosis, is a common physiological condition resulting from alterations in your body's normal circadian rhythm. It occurs after a trans-meridian flight and through multiple time zones. Once the destination is reached, it can take a few days for the body to adjust its “clock” (circadian rhythm). As your body is not used to the change in time, you experience symptoms such as fatigue and insomnia, which can take a few days to adjust.

It is essential to recognise that jet lag is a phenomenon that occurs due to transmeridian travel, which is east to west or vice versa. It is thought that travelling southward does not cause jet lag but can cause travel fatigue. If you have travelled to a destination in the same time zone or southward, you can experience fatigue or sleep disturbances similar to jet lag. It disappears after one day and a good night's sleep. Medication is generally not required, but Circadin can help to relieve short-term insomnia or sleep disturbance caused by flight travel.

Why Jet Lag Occurs

Travel across multiple time zones and to far places can cause the body to desynchronise from its usual rhythm. The day-night cycle and subsequent exposure to light and dark play an integral role in maintaining normal rhythms. As the exposure is different at your destination, the body's normal patterns for eating, sleeping, body temperature, and hormone regulation are disrupted. As the body struggles to adjust, it can result in symptoms of jet lag, as detailed below. Jet lag can affect everyone differently, and recovery times vary for each individual. It is essential to stay well-hydrated, rest, and get sufficient sleep to recover as quickly and safely as possible. Our doctors can provide expert advice, so don't hesitate to ask questions.

Symptoms of Jet Lag

Jet Lag can affect each person differently and last a few days. Crossing more time zones or travelling eastward can increase the intensity of symptoms and take longer to adjust. The common symptoms are:-

• Fatigue
• Excessive tiredness
• Difficulty in concentration
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping, especially if travelling eastward
• Irritability
• Possible disruption of eating and bowel habits

Managing and Reducing Jet Lag

Light exposure is the most significant factor in realigning the body's internal rhythm. Controlled exposure to light can reduce adjustment time. It is preferable to book flights which arrive in daylight. It is advisable to rest and then explore your surroundings, enjoying the daylight as it lasts. When it dims, melatonin, which aids sleep, is released, allowing you to fall asleep.

Taking naps after arrival or during the day, if you are very tired, can help alleviate tiredness and fatigue. Naps should be no longer than 30 minutes and should not be taken late afternoon, as they can interfere with a good night's sleep. Avoiding naps, if possible, is recommended, and you should aim to sleep at a similar time to your normal sleep schedule.

Keep well hydrated. After arrival, you can drink caffeinated products in the morning, but avoid them after midday as they can keep you awake at night.

For daytime flights, keep active as it revitalises your body, keeping you mentally alert, which can help to reduce jet lag. If you are tired or have just completed an overnight flight, it is recommended to take naps and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

How to Treat Jet Lag

There is no specific treatment to alleviate or even cure jet lag. The medical intervention aims to promote or induce sleep. Rectifying sleep patterns and getting sufficient sleep at night can help reduce the symptoms of jet lag. It leaves you refreshed and energetic.     

Our Doctors can issue Circadin 2 mg tablets after completing a short questionnaire. You can proceed to order by choosing the medication above.