Jet Lag Symptoms

The medical term for jet lag is "desynchronosis". Basically, it is a physical condition that arises due to change in time zone because of long distance transmeridian traveling. A time zone can be defined as a specific geographical area where the clock time remains the same. In all, there are 24 time zones all over the world. When you fly a long distance crossing a number of time zones, it can badly disrupt the normal functioning of the body clock. This is because the circadian rhythm or the body clock which is responsible for maintaining the time for our daily activities like eating, sleeping, etc., gets affected. Thus, one gets jet lag. The length of jet lag symptoms depends on the number of time zones crossed by an individual. It also depends on the adjusting capacity of the body with the specific time zone. Generally, one day is required to recover from the jet lag caused by crossing of one single time zone.

Symptoms of Jet Lag

The symptoms of jet lag are usually observed after a person has traveled three time zones. However, there are some people who may get mild symptoms even after short journeys as well. The most common jet lag symptom is sleep deprivation. As a result, a person may find it difficult to fall asleep during the night and feel sleepy during the day. Due to insufficient sleep, one feels tired, irritability, confusion, clumsiness. If it continues for a long time, it may lead to depression and fatigue. In case digestive problems arise, diarrhea and constipation may be experienced. Other minor symptoms: nausea, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, dull headache, sudden sweating, and lack of concentrations, memory problems, etc.

Jet lag is more intense when you are flying to the east. This is because it is difficult for our body to adapt to shorter days than the longer ones. Jet lag is seen more in elderly and those people who are used to following strict routines for daily activities. However, symptoms are quite less in small children and babies as they can sleep at any time of the day. Jet lag symptoms get aggravated further due to stress, intake of alcohol and dehydration. The air pressure inside the aircraft is much lower than what our body is accustomed to, as a result, the oxygen content of our blood decreases to a great extent. This does not pose any problem to healthy people. However, those with heart or lungs diseases or anemia, can get severe symptoms. Hence, they should consult their doctors before traveling.

Treatment

The condition of jet lag is different for every individual. Therefore, there is no such treatment that can cure the condition of jet lag. You should compulsorily sleep for seven to eight hours in the new time zone to get rid of fatigue and depression. In the new time zone, you should avoid the afternoon naps in order to adjust the body with the new time zone.

An early dinner which contains more carbohydrates and less proteins will prove to be beneficial to cope with the new condition. There are some herbal medicines that claim that they can reduce jet lag. However, it is not yet proven. The hormone melatonin secreted in the evening time by a gland near our brain to give signal to the brain that it's time to sleep. Some research studies suggest that the intake of melatonin supplement can prevent jet lag. However, so far it has been effective on some people and ineffective on others. Medicines like paracetamol can be taken to get rid of jet lag symptoms of fever and headache.

There are certain measures that you can take which will help you to deal with jet lag in a better manner. Try not to fly if you are unwell. Prior to the start of the trip, if you take plenty of rest and sleep, then the symptoms will not be that strong. While traveling, wear comfortable clothes that can keep you relaxed. Drink plenty of fluid like fruit juice and water to prevent dehydration. However, do not take caffeine or alcohol.