Jet lag Disorder Symptoms, Causes Q&A

Jet lag syndrome is quite a common sleep issue that happens after a person travels across multiple time zones. This condition can leave you feeling disoriented and fatigued due to a sudden disruption in your body’s internal clock.

Managing jet lag syndrome involves various strategies to help the body adjust to your new schedule. This includes gradually acclimating to the destination’s schedule, staying well-hydrated, and exposing yourself to natural light as much as possible during daylight hours. In certain cases, a healthcare professional will recommend medications or melatonin supplements to expedite the duration of your jet lag.

Overall, jet lag is a common and temporary challenge. Its impact can be minimized by proactively addressing the triggers and trying strategies to align the circadian rhythm with the external clock. As you navigate the demands of travel, a thought-out approach to sleep hygiene and adjusting to new time zones will facilitate a significantly smoother transition and a more enjoyable travel experience.

Jet lag can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

– Fatigue – Tiredness is the most prevalent symptom caused by jet lag.

– Sleep disturbances – Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are common symptoms. People often experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

– Daytime sleepiness – Excessive daytime fatigue, often accompanied by an overwhelming desire to nap during waking hours, is a frequent consequence of jet lag.

– Irritability and mood swings – Jet lag can influence mood, leading to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

– Gastrointestinal symptoms – Jet lag often causes changes to our eating patterns and disruptions to the digestive system. This can result in nausea, indigestion, or constipation.

– Headaches – Another common symptom of jet lag is tension headaches due to the physiological strain associated with the abrupt shift in time zones.

The intensity and duration of these symptoms are different in each case. The number of time zones crossed, the direction of travel, and your sensitivity to such changes all affect the symptoms you’ll experience.

To reduce the impact of jet lag, you should adopt preventative strategies to make the most of your travel. Our experts can advise you on which approaches can effectively curb the symptoms of jet lag syndrome.

Strangely, you can experience jet lag without flying! This happens due to disruptions to your circadian rhythm arising from changes in light exposure. The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is synchronized with the natural light-dark cycle. If you undergo abrupt changes in your daily schedule, such as working night shifts or irregular hours, it’s common to experience symptoms of jet lag.

Light exposure is what controls your body’s secretion of melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep. When you are exposed to light at unusual times, especially during the night, this can impact your internal body clock and result in symptoms of jet lag. This is quite common among people who work night shifts or have unpredictable or “on-call” schedules, such as medical professionals and those who work in hospitality or aviation.

A sleep professional can assess the unique factors contributing to the severity of jet lag symptoms and develop a comprehensive strategy to alleviate its impact. During your consultation with a sleep professional, various strategies will be discussed to address severe jet lag, including:

– Light therapy – Exposure to natural light resets the body’s internal clock to adjust to the new routine.
– Sleep hygiene practices – Sleep hygiene practices include creating a comfortable sleep environment and establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
– Hydration and nutrition – Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet will support your wellness as you transition to your new schedule.
– Medications – Sleep aids, such as melatonin supplements, can be prescribed for short-term use to regulate your sleep patterns.

In summary, there are several approaches to address severe jet lag, and our team can guide you on the most effective ones for you.