Jet Lag

Jet Lag is a common problem occurring after travel to destinations in a different time zone.
It can take several days for the body to adjust to the new time zone. Medication such as Circadin can help to adjust and relieve symptoms. It can also help establish a good sleeping pattern allowing you to be refreshed and energetic for all your activities.

Our Doctors are able to supply safe and effective short term relief of Jet Lag after review of a short medical questionnaire. Select the required medication below.

What is Jet Lag

Jet Lag or desynchronosis is a common physiological condition occurring due to alterations of your body's normal circadian rhythm. It occurs after 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, insomnia and it can take a few days to adjust.

It is important to understand that Jet Lag is a phenomenon which occurs due to trans meridian travel which is east to west or vis-versa. It is thought that travel southward does not cause jet lag but can cause travel fatigue. If you have travelled to a destination with the same time zone or travelled southward, you can experience fatigue or sleep disturbances similar to that of Jet Lag. It disappears after one day and a good nights 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 plays an integral role in maintenance of normal rhythms. As the exposure is different at your destination, the body's normal patterns for eating, sleeping, body temperature and hormone regulations are upset. As the body struggles to adjust, it can result in jet lag symptoms as detailed below. Jet Lag can affect everyone differently and the recovery time differs for everyone. It is important to keep well hydrated and to rest and sleep appropriately to ensure you recover as quickly and safely as possible. Our Doctors are available to provide expert advice so don't hesitate to ask any questions.

Symptoms of Jet Lag

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

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

Managing and reducing Jet Lag

Light exposure is the strongest factor in realigning the body's 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 and enjoy the daylight as it lasts. When it dims, melatonin which aids sleep is released which can allow you to fall asleep.

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

Keep well hydrated. After arrival, you can drink caffeinated products in the morning but avoid after midday as it 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 are undergoing an overnight flight, it is recommended to take naps and to avoid caffeine or alcohol.

How to treat Jet Lag

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

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

Table of contents

What is Jet Lag?

Why Jet Lag occurs

Symptoms of Jet Lag

Managing and reducing Jet Lag

How to treat Jet Lag