Jet Lag – What is it?

If you travel across multiple time zones you may have difficulty adjusting; this difficulty is called jet lag. When you experience jet lag your body’s circadian rhythms are aligned to the previous time zone you were in. Therefore, your body may want to sleep or be awake at the wrong times. For instance, your body may want to sleep in the middle of the day according to your regular internal clock. You can be very sleepy during the day and wide awake at night in the new time zone. According to estimates, it takes around one day per time zone you have crossed for your body to adjust fully. So if you have flown from Los Angeles to New York City, you will have crossed three time zones, and it will take three days for you to adjust fully. This can become a big issue for people who frequently travel for their business or someone adjusting back to their work schedule after vacationing abroad.

What causes it?

Jet lag is caused by the dramatic change in time of day without giving your body ample time to adjust its circadian rhythm naturally. Your mind comprehends that you are in a new time zone, but your body is not able to adjust in such a limited amount of time.

Possible solutions

The best solution to jet lag is not treatment but certain behavioral adjustments, such as:

  • Planning ahead— in the weeks leading up to your trip slowly adjusting your wake and sleep times as much as your current schedule allows will help your body be prepared for the new time zone.
  • Sunlight— after arriving in a new time zone exposure to direct sunlight can help reset your body’s internal clock.
  • Melatonin— Melatonin is a natural way to help your body adjust to a new bedtime in a new time zone.
  • Exercise— According to recent studies, moderate exercise is a great way to adjust to a new time zone, particularly outdoor exercise where you can enjoy direct sunlight as well.

Why get treatment?

It is important to be prepared for jet lag, so you are better able to function normally in whatever time zone you travel too. Otherwise, your internal clock will be under extreme duress while trying to adjust and you may experience extreme tiredness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and difficulty remembering. Whether you are on a trip for business or pleasure taking the proper steps to prepare for and treat jet lag is crucial to your ability to function properly and get the most out of the time you spend in that new time zone.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.