Why does jet lag occur

If we have not slept on the flight, we will be sleep-deprived and the first night we may sleep reasonably well as our body catches up on its sleep. However, the rhythms of sleepiness, alertness, body temperature, the hormone melatonin and many other rhythms governed by the internal circadian clock will not yet have realigned with local time.

Anyone can experience jet lag. There are no strong statistics on exactly how many. Individual experience is very variable. Some may be badly affected and others not at all. The same person may suffer jet lag on one occasion and have little problem on another. Much depends on the direction and timing of the flight, together with the timing of personal exposure to bright light during and after the flight in the destination time zone — bright light is the main influence on the internal clock.

Generally speaking, older people suffer more than younger travellers. There is some evidence that genes may influence the ability to adapt better eastwards than westwards and vice versa.

Jet lag is not a disease; it is a temporary and fully reversible condition. However, it is a temporary form of circadian rhythm disorder and, as such, any persistent sleep problems may be diagnosed in the same way as this disorder see the article on circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Shift work sleep disorder is related to jet lag. Changing work time from day shift to night shift leads to misalignment of the internal clock with the desired work—sleep schedule, with essentially the same consequences as time zone change. However, whilst everyone eventually adapts to a new time zone providing that they stay there long enough, some shift workers experience sleep problems each time they change to night work. Most people do not require treatment for jet lag and their bodies naturally adapt after a short period in the new time zone.

At the same time, it is important to change behaviour, such as eating and sleeping, to coincide with the new time zone. Once the internal clock has adapted, jet lag problems resolve. This can help your body wind down and fall asleep faster.

Here are some tips to follow before you travel:. It may take several days for your body to adjust to the new time zone. Adjusting your eating, working, and sleeping schedules right away can help speed up the process.

While you adjust, you may experience symptoms of jet lag. Jet lag will likely end in a few days after you arrive. Jet lag occurs when you travel to different time zones, and your body clock gets confused. Late nights, rich food, and bottomless mimosa brunches can leave you with an unhealthy case of "social jet lag.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Your body is aligned on a hour cycle or body clock. Causes of jet lag. Symptoms of jet lag. Preventing jet lag. Treating jet lag. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Living Hard on the Weekends Can Wreck Your Health Late nights, rich food, and bottomless mimosa brunches can leave you with an unhealthy case of "social jet lag.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. CDC Gives Guidelines for Travel, Cookouts The CDC emphasizes the importance of staying home when sick, maintaining physical distancing, wearing face masks, and practicing good hand hygiene. How to Overcome Your Travel Anxiety. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Get plenty of rest before you travel. You could start going to bed and getting up earlier or later than usual more like the time zone of the place you're travelling to.

Sleeping tablets may be helpful if you're having problems sleeping insomnia. But they can be addictive so should only be used for a short time and if symptoms are severe.

Melatonin is a natural hormone released by the body in the evening to let your brain know it's time to sleep.