What Is Jet Lag And What to Do About It

What is Jet lag?

Jet lag is a temporary feeling of extreme tiredness, which occurs as a result of rapidly changing time zones when travelling by air. Jet lag seems to be a physiological reaction to a disruption to the body’s internal clock. Our clock is normally regulated by the hormones (especially melatonin), sunlight, temperature, sleep – or lack of it. Jet lag may affect our organism on both physical, psychological or even emotional level. The most common symptoms are fatigue and insomnia, but these may be different from person to person, and the whole spectrum of symptoms also includes: disorientation, coordination problems, anxiety, confusion, nausea, headache, irritation, constipation, diarrhea, dehydration, sweating, dizziness, or even some memory loss. The effects of jet lag occur both in adults and in children.

What’s interesting, is the fact that the direction in which you travel, does matter. Passengers who travel north to south experience the fewest jet lag-connected problems, as they usually remain in the same time zone. The most problems occurs when you travel east, as you get the feeling you “lose” time. Travellers flying west usually find it easier to adjust to the time zone change. However, some of the aforementioned symptoms may still occur, as their body must get used to the change.

The intensity of the feeling of jet lag depends on how many time zones you cross at one time. If you travel across three or more time zones, the effects may be more noticeable and troublesome. How quickly you recover from jet lag – again – depends on how many time zones you have crossed. Generally the symptoms should subside within 1 – 3 days.

How to prevent jet lag?

Although it may not be possible to avoid the feeling of jet lag altogether, you can at least try to make it easier for your organism to adopt to this rapid change. The most important thing is to take care of yourself: eat well, sleep well, don’t drink alcohol. Taking a flight with hangover may indeed double the effects of jet lag, and make it even more difficult to recover from it.

Some time before the flight have some mild exercise. This will boost your blood circulation a bit, and may later make it easier for you to take a nap during the flight. The most reasonable way to minimize the effects of jet lag is to choose a night flight – remember to pack such accessories as ear plugs or sleep mask to feel less distracted when trying to fall asleep.

Try to adjust your habits a few days before the flight. If you are travelling westwards – which means you will gain time – try to go to sleep a little later than usually and sleep a bit longer. When you are travelling west to east – do the opposite: get up and go to sleep earlier than usually.

During the flight, you should also remember to treat your body well. Don’t wear too tight clothes during the flight – it’s better to choose loose-fitting ones and comfortable shoes. Drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee or cola. If possible, try to take a small walk along the aisle to stretch your legs. You can also do little exercising – like stomach crunches or shoulder shrugs in your seat. This will also boost your blood circulation.

Once you reach your destination, no matter how tired you are, try not to go to sleep until bedtime. This will help your organism to adjust to the time zone change as quickly as possible. If – on the other hand – you don’t feel sleepy, try to force yourself to get some sleep. You can also turn to medical remedies, like sleeping pills or melatonin pills, but do it wisely and try to not overdo it.