Jet Lag

Possible Causes of Jet Lag
The body has an internal clock that tells it when to eat, sleep and perform other functions. When a person’s travels take him over even one or two time zones, that day is made either shorter or longer than the usual 24 hours. Because the body wants to continue on its usual schedule, the person experiences fatigue and insomnia, otherwise known as jet lag. Symptoms of jet lag are also common in people who work night shifts.

Jet Lag Symptoms
Jet lag can cause many symptoms, including daytime sleepiness, insomnia, disorientation, poor concentration, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, irritability, trouble making decisions and short-term memory problems. NASA estimates that a person needs at least one day of adjustment time for each time zone crossed. Ordinarily, the body resets itself in just a few days.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Jet Lag
Before departure, try to shift the sleep/wake cycle gradually, at the rate of one hour per day, to match the destination. Reset watches on clocks while on the plane to begin the adjustment. If it is nighttime at your destination, try to sleep on the plane. A short-acting sleeping pill may help with sleeping on the plane and during the first few nights at the destination. If it will be daytime when you arrive, stay awake by turning on a light, reading an engrossing book, walking the aisles or listening to uptempo music. Drink plenty of water and juices while on the plane and avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Resist the urge to nap upon arrival, and try to stay awake until the local bedtime.