Jet lag , symptoms and treatment

Jet lag is considered to be the desynchronisation of an organism, usually after a long-haul flight.

For jet lag to occur, you need to travel from East to West (or vice versa) and cross several different time zones in a short period. For example, a flight from Athens to New York will certainly cause jet lag symptoms as you change many time zones in a very short period (less than 12 hours).

Journeys by train, ship, etc., do not cause jet lag as their movement is much slower, allowing the organism to adapt to the time changes.

 

Jet lag symptoms

 

Jet lag symptoms vary depending on the individual and how many time zones you have crossed. Jet lag symptoms range from sleep disturbances, such as waking up much earlier than planned, fragmented sleep, reduced perception, increased fatigue, frequent headaches, and more.

This happens because the biological clock becomes 'unwound' and cannot immediately adapt to the new time zones.

For jet lag symptoms to appear, you must cross three or more time zones in a short period. Please note that some people can experience mild jet lag even with just the change to daylight saving time!

 

Greater jet lag problem on journeys

 

The biggest problem arises on journeys made towards the East, and this is because the body must 'run' hours ahead to catch up with the local time.

 

How to avoid Jet lag

 

Avoiding jet lag and its symptoms begins before departure. There are now special sunglasses that inhibit melatonin production and correspondingly delay or advance the circadian rhythm – i.e., the biological clock. Long-haul travellers usually wear these special glasses before departure, allowing the body to gradually adapt to the new conditions it will face upon arrival.

It would be advisable, especially before critical business appointments or life decisions, to allow a period of 2-4 days so that you can return to your pre-trip state.

 

Jet lag treatment

 

 Try not to sleep as soon as you arrive at your destination, but only when it gets dark and it’s your natural bedtime. This will help you overcome jet lag even faster.

Also, try to travel well-rested and do not rely on sleeping on the plane.

Have good – transatlantic – journeys!