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What is jet lag?

Jet lag is a disorder caused by the rapid crossing of time zones. Time changes affect sleeping, waking, eating, bowel and bladder habits and not simply a desire to sleep at inappropriate times. Your sleep pattern is usually the most affected, so you should plan your trip to arrive at your final destination as close as possible to nightfall. People tend to find that travelling eastwards has the greatest negative effect upon the body as it is far easier for the body to adapt to a longer day, rather than a shorter one, which is the effect flying east has upon the body. The sleep disorder which is a part of jet lag will respond to daylight. If it is daylight when you arrive at your destination, go out into the light as this will tell the body that it is not night time, even though your natural body rhythms tell you it is. Diet is also important. High protein meals (meat, fish, tofu), provide sustained energy for staying awake, whilst complex carbohydrates, (pasta, bread, fruits and vegetables), will help you get to sleep.

Travellers whose daily routines are more flexible are less affected by jet lag. Babies, for example, tend not to suffer from jet lag. If your trip is business-related, it may be possible for your GP to prescribe a mild sleeping tablet for the first night or two of your trip to enable you to function more efficiently during the day (NOT if you are, or suspect you might be pregnant). There are also natural remedies available from health food shops, which may help you in the acclimatisation process. Studies carried out by NASA show that for every time zone a traveller passes, an entire day is required to fully regain your natural rhythm and energy levels. Any of the following factors can also contribute to jet lag:

Alcohol: The effect of alcohol on the body is multiplied at altitude, so drinking even relatively small amounts of alcohol can compound tiredness and intensify hangovers upon arrival.

• Solution: Avoid drinking alcohol the night before flying. But most importantly don't drink at all during the day of flying or during the flight.

  
  

Dehydration: Airplane cabins rely on recycled air; this inevitably dries the skin and can lead to dry nasal and throat membranes.

• Solution: Drink plenty of water prior to flying. An intensive moisturiser is also useful to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated.

  
  

Headaches and a sore throat may become accentuated in such a dry atmosphere.

• Solution: Again, it is essential to drink plenty of water before and during the flight to combat such conditions. A simple painkiller may be required to ease the discomfort.

  
  

Pre-flight condition: If you start your flight stressed and tired, then it is unlikely that you will emerge much fresher.

• Solution: A good night's sleep prior to flying and some light exercise (perhaps a brisk early morning walk?) will put your body in a far better 'flight-condition', ready to face the potential effects of jet lag.

  
  

Immobility: Prolonged periods of immobility will naturally tire the body and invoke lethargy.

• Solution: Keep moving; walk around the cabin at regular intervals to keep the blood pumping around your body.

  
  

Using Time Zones to prevent Jet Lag

By understanding how time zones are split up around the world, it is possible to create a strategy to mitigate the effects of jet lag. By arriving at your destination close to nightfall you will be tired following your long flight and thus be more likely to fall sleep without having to take any sleeping pills.

Research has shown that decision-making skills can suffer severely as a result of jet lag. It is unwise to have to face serious decision-making immediately after flying across multiples time zones. This sort of activity should be delayed for at least a few days, if possible.