Summary. Jet lag is a type of fatigue caused by travelling across different time zones. The body needs anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to acclimatise to the new time zone – approximately one day for each hour of time zone changes.
The most common symptoms of jet lag include: Sleeping problems: It may be hard to fall asleep when you want to, or you may wake up earlier than planned. Jet lag can also cause sleep to be fragmented. Daytime sleepiness: Jet lag frequently causes you to feel drowsy or tired during the day.
Air Pressure
Air is actually less oxygen-dense at higher altitudes. Meaning the higher you go, the less oxygen will be available to you. While you may not consciously notice any trouble breathing, you are likely to feel drained and tired once you land at your destination.
How long jet lag lasts will depend on several factors. These include how far you traveled, your body's unique rhythms and your overall health. Many people who experience jet lag feel better a few days after arriving to their destination. For some people, it can take up to one week to feel fully back to themselves.
Try taking melatonin. This hormone can help you reset your body's internal clock so you can fall asleep at the right time. Take a dose before bedtime at your destination every night until you adjust. Daylight can help reset your internal clock.
The general rule of thumb is that it takes almost a day for every time zone you cross to overcome jet lag. So, for that New York to London flight we mentioned earlier, you'd be crossing five time zones, so it could take you about five days to adjust.
Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across several time zones. Your body has its own internal clock, called circadian rhythms. They signal to your body when to stay awake and when to sleep.
The cramped conditions and long periods of being less active on a flight can cause pain, stiffness or swelling of your legs. Being less active can lead to slow blood flow in your veins which increases your risk of developing a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVTs most commonly form in the legs.
Jet lag impacts most people, but its symptoms can go far beyond disrupting your sleep schedule. For many, the symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, stomach problems (always a treat when you're sightseeing or in a meeting), mood changes, dehydration, and the general feeling that things are off.
There are a number of effects altitude and airplane travel have on the body, including oxygen deprivation, alteration of sleep patterns, and an increased risk of contracting contagious diseases.
While many love the experience of travelling by flight, it can be a nightmare for others who often complain of experiencing jet lag, nausea, memory loss, or brain fog post their journey. Some studies show that even relatively mild levels of hypoxia (deficiency in oxygen) can alter our ability to think clearly.
Dryness and air pressure changes can affect your ears, sinuses & taste. A 3 hour flight can shed up to 1.5 litres of water from the body. Aeroplane cabin humidity levels as low as 4% can cause the mucous membranes of your nose, mouth and throat to dry out.
Sitting down in a tight seat for 13+ hours can sometimes lead to circulation issues, including swelling in the feet. According to The Healthy, the chance of your body forming blood clots increases when blood isn't moving correctly, such as when onboard a long-haul flight.
"If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that's not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length! —if only to have that clean feel after being cooped up in a cabin."
It usually takes 3-4 days after your flight to recover.
Most people start feeling better within 3 days or so. Recovery may take a bit longer if you traveled from west to east (such as from the United States to Europe).
Jet lag causes fatigue and sleep issues after a person travels rapidly across time zones. Sleep disorders and shift work can cause similar symptoms.
That being said, if jet lag is preventing you from getting through the remainder of the day, naps are something to consider. If you are going to take a midday snooze, we recommend keeping it under 30 minutes and ideally at least eight hours prior to your bedtime.
Jet lag often improves after a few days as your body clock adjusts to the new time zone. Sleeping tablets may be helpful if you're having problems sleeping (insomnia). But they can be addictive so should only be used for a short time and if symptoms are severe.
The body needs anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to acclimatise to the new time zone – approximately one day for each hour of time zone changes.
The experience ranks somewhere between eating day-old cooked oatmeal and nursing a hangover. These food and drink metaphors aren't just a coincidence. Jet lag, it turns out, affects more than our sleep; it affects our internal organs as well.
Disembarkment syndrome is a medical condition that may occur following a sustained motion event like an aircraft flight or cruise. It is a neurological condition that is normally diagnosed by a neurologist when the sufferer reports a persistent swaying, rocking, or bobbing sensation.
After all, those who fly more frequently also experience more jet lag — and "circadian disruption" does all kinds of bad things to the body, including increasing cancer risk (more on this later). What's more, estimating radiation doses in these studies is rife with uncertainty and potentially confounding factors.