Jet Lag

JET LAG: FEELING LOUSY RIGHT WHEN YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN

OVERVIEW: Jet lag is the out of sync feeling people get when they cross time zones and get their waking and sleeping schedule off course. As more and more people become international travelers, the incidence of jet lag is increasing. While it is temporary, it is more of a problem for older people and those who are out of shape. For these people it takes longer to get over this temporary disturbance of the body clock. A good diet can help minimize symptoms, but no medication can completely eradicate them. It has been found that flying east causes more symptoms than flying west, but individual travelers might argue with that. Almost everyone who travels a long distance by air experiences some of the symptoms of jet lag.

CAUSES: Your body clock, also called your circadian rhythm, is controlled by a small area in the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. The basic cause of jet lag is traveling east or west so that you are in a time zone that your body clock is unaccustomed to. Normally, it takes your body up to 24 hours to adjust to every hour of change in time zone. Obviously, jet lag can be a major concern for pilots, airline personnel, and anyone else who must fly long distances on a regular basis.

SYMPTOMS: Jet lag gives a traveler a sensation of disorientation and anxiety. In addition to the psychological stress, it is common to have physical symptoms, such as indigestion, headaches, and even swelling of the extremities. It is likely that your coordination will be impaired and that you will feel exhausted and irritable as you go about your activities in the new region. Jet lag can seriously compromise your performance in sports or business, as well.

DIAGNOSIS: Jet lag can be diagnosed by the fact that the patient just traveled across several time zones. Some of the symptoms of jet lag are actually caused by the environment on the plane, and would show up after a long flight north or south as well as a flight east or west. These symptoms include dehydration from being in a pressurized cabin with low humidity for a long time.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: There are some things you can do before taking a trip to minimize the effects of jet lag on your system. One of the best things you can do is to start thinking in the time frame that you are going to. Also, try to get as much sleep as you can. Sleep on the airplane as much as possible. Take along a couple of travel pillows to help you sleep. The type of pillow that cradles your neck can be a lifesaver, along with another small pillow to put behind your back. If you are already at your destination, and you did not get a chance to prepare for the inevitable jet lag, try to get all the early morning sunlight you can. This will usually clear up your symptoms in a couple of days.