Jet Lag: What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

What Exactly Happens in Jet Lag?

Jet lag is a common issue for travellers crossing multiple time zones, disrupting their body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and even digestive issues. But what exactly happens in jet lag, and how can you recover faster?

What Is Jet Lag?

Jet lag occurs when your body’s internal clock is out of sync with the local time at your destination. Our bodies are designed to follow a natural 24-hour cycle, regulated by factors like daylight and darkness. When you fly across time zones, your internal clock struggles to adjust, which causes the symptoms of jet lag. For example, you may feel sleepy during the day and wide awake at night.

Jet lag can be more severe when travelling eastward, as it's harder for the body to adjust to “losing” time than “gaining” it when travelling westward. Additionally, the more time zones you cross, the worse the symptoms can be.

How Do You Recover From Jet Lag Faster?

There are several ways to help your body recover from jet lag more quickly:

Adjust your schedule: Before you travel, gradually shift your sleeping and waking times to match the time zone of your destination.

Exposure to natural light: Spend time outside during the day at your destination, as natural light helps reset your body’s internal clock.

Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or alcohol: Both can interfere with sleep and exacerbate jet lag symptoms.

Use a natural sleep aid: Consider using Dream, a natural sleep aid containing magnesium, chamomile, and other ingredients to promote restful sleep and help your body adjust to new time zones.

Does Not Eating on a Flight Prevent Jet Lag?

There is some evidence suggesting that fasting or limiting food intake on long-haul flights might help reduce jet lag. Research suggests that restricting food during your flight and then eating a meal at your destination’s local time could help reset your internal clock more quickly. This method, known as “time-restricted feeding,” influences your body’s circadian rhythm, helping it adapt to the new time zone.

However, more research is needed to fully confirm how effective this method is. For now, it may help some travellers, but it’s essential to stay hydrated and listen to your body’s needs.