Jet Lag

Jet lag is a big issue for many travelers. It is a tired feeling of people who travel across different time zones. When there is a big difference between the local times where the journey begins and where it ends, our "biological clock" isn't capable of adapting itself quickly to a new rhythm.

Why jet lag is an issue

This biological clock, our circadian rhythm, is synchronized to the day/night rhythm of our environment. When we travel from one place to another by jet, we also change time zones. The further we fly east or west, the bigger the time difference is between the place of departure and our destination. The jet lag problem consists of the fact that while the time in the destination zone is different so we must change our watches, our "biological clocks" are still synchronized with the time of the place of departure. This leads to tiredness at daytime or not being able to fall asleep at night time.

Prevention Tips

The intensity of the jet lag depends from a few factors like the departure time,the fact if you are flying east or west, and your body's capacity to adapt itself as quickly as possible to the daylight time of the destination. In order to minimize jet lag, it is advisable to follow these tips.

• Light Exposure - Once you have arrived at your destination, go out in sun. Our biological clocks are strongly influenced by daylight, so this will help you synchronize to the local time.
• Watch Your Diet - As your digestive system also follows a circadian rhythm, beginning to adjust your meals the day before travel might help. Once on the plane, eat very lightly. It is generally not advisable to eat heavy meals upon arrival.
• Get a Head Start - If possible, prepare you biological clock a night or so in advance. If your destination is the east,* you might want to try to prepare yourself by going to bed earlier and getting up earlier than usual. If you plan a trip to the west,* going to bed and getting up a bit later will help get you aligned to the destination time.
• Adjust Your Watch - Change the time on your watch to the local time of your destination before departing, to help your mind adjust to the new time zone.

* Assuming your time change is fewer than 12 hours different.