What is Jet Lag? |
How To Manage Jet Lag
Jet Lag also known as “desynchronosis” or “time-zone change syndrome” is a temporary sleep disorder associated with traveling across two or more time zones. Jet lag is common among frequent fliers and international travelers. Although it is not a serious condition, if ignored it can acause some very unpleasant issues.
Symptoms of Jet Lag | How To Manage Jet Lag
Some of the common symptoms associated with Jet Lag are:
- insomnia
- tiredness & fatigue
- lethargy
- mood changes
- upset stomach or diarrhea
- irritability
- mild depression
- headaches
- difficulty focusing
Causes of Jet Lag | How To Manage Jet Lag
- disturbance of the circadian rhythms or internal body clock
- difficulty adjusting to the time in the destination
- lack of sunlight
- airline atmosphere and cabin pressure
How to Manage Jet Lag
Jet lag is a temporary condition and there is no specific treatment for this disorder, the only way to avoid the symptoms of jet lag is to adjust faster to the new time zone. Here are some strategies/tips you can adopt before, during, and after your travel to minimize the impact of jet lag:
- adjust your sleeping and eating schedule in advance. You need to try to adjust your sleep patterns and eating patterns according to your new destination/time zone several days before you travel so that your internal body clock can quickly synchronise with the new time zone
Try to pick a flight time that allows you to arrive in the early evening. This will help you enjoy a good night’s sleep in your new time zone. - Try arriving well before any important engagements. This will allow you enough time to adjust your body and mind to the new time zone.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks
- drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight, it will keep you hydrated and minimise the chances of headaches and body aches
- if your travel time is long, try to keep yourself mobile
- if possible, try to expose yourself to natural sunlight at the airport
For many frequent travelers, jet lag is short lived and is completely gone after a few days. However, if you find yourself experiencing jetlag everytime you travel, have a chat with your doctor to see if there are any other options that could help.
Southgate Medical Centre
Doctor Southbank
How To Manage Jet Lag
03 9690 1433