Changing time and even day in just one trip can disrupt some people's sleep . This is known as jet lag.
This is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who travels and quickly crosses time zones, disrupting their regular sleep habits and also their circadian cycles .
Jet Lag Symptoms
- Sleep disturbance.
- Changes in mood.
- Difficulty staying alert.
- Fatigue during the day.
- General malaise.
- Gastrointestinal problems (constipation or diarrhea).
This imbalance is usually temporary, but it can make a trip uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially if the person has to go to work or drive afterward. There are some myths surrounding this condition, but there are also certain truths that need to be considered.
Learn the most common myths and truths about jet lag.
Jet lag increases the further you travel.
TRUTH: The body has its own internal clock, which tells us when to sleep and when to be awake. This time lag occurs because that clock is synchronized with the time zone of your home country, not the time zone of the place you traveled to. The more time zones you've crossed, the greater the likelihood of experiencing jet lag.
Pilots and cockpit crew no longer experience jet lag.
MYTH: It's the other way around. Pilots, flight attendants, and business travelers are more likely to experience jet lag.
Sunlight may help reduce jet lag.
TRUTH: This is because sunlight is a key influence on the internal clock, regulating melatonin (responsible for synchronizing cells). Upon exposure to light, signals are transmitted to the hypothalamus, which stimulates the glands that release melatonin. Therefore, to facilitate adaptation to the new time zone, exposure to daylight could be helpful.
Jet lag is the same in adults
MYTH: In fact, older adults may need longer to recover from this gap compared to younger adults.
Jet lag can be more noticeable if you travel east.
TRUTH: It may be more difficult to fly east because you lose hours. Conversely, when you fly west, you gain those hours.
Jet lag is temporary and does not require treatment.
MYTH: While jet lag is common, the symptoms should be short-lived. However, sometimes this isn't the case, and the imbalance becomes a constant nuisance. There are various types of treatments to address it, which we'll discuss below.
What to do in case of jet lag
- Plan ahead for the new time zone . Set your watch for the time at your destination so you can better sync your bedtime and mealtimes.
- Stay hydrated . To counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air, drink water before, during, and after your flight. Dehydration worsens jet lag symptoms.
- See an expert . A doctor might recommend light therapy, which involves exposure to a lamp or bright artificial light that simulates sunlight. There are also medications that can help you sleep. Sleep medicine experts have studied this topic for years.
- Get a good night's sleep . Get plenty of rest before your travel date. Or try traveling at night to get enough sleep.
A practical solution to cope with jet lag
If you decide to sleep during the trip, there are some alternatives to make the journey more pleasant . Earplugs, headphones, and masks can help block out noise and light.
Travel pillows like the Theragel Neck Pillow offer a unique experience for travelers who want to be comfortable while traveling.
Its ergonomic design adapts to the natural shape of the neck , preventing neck pain. Its memory foam material offers unique comfort. And to prevent overheating, it has a self-cooling gel cover that provides comfort and freshness throughout the entire trip.
Jet lag is an imbalance, which you can help combat with the use of ergonomics.
As we've seen, jet lag is a disorder that occurs when sleep cycles are disrupted by changing from one time zone to another. It can temporarily affect some of our cycles and habits, but primarily our sleep.
Fortunately, there are some helpful options to help prevent or minimize this jet lag. Some are based on traditional medicine, others on alternative therapies, and still others simply on changing habits and the devices you use. The goal is to minimize the effects and have a comfortable experience , whether traveling for pleasure or business.
