Jet lag

Jet lag is a feeling of tiredness and confusion after a long aircraft journey.

It's the result of your body finding it difficult to adjust to a new time zone.

Jet lag can disturb your sleep pattern and make you feel drowsy and lethargic (lacking in energy).

The more time zones you cross during a long-haul flight, the more severe jet lag can become.

Read more about the symptoms of jet lag.

What causes jet lag?

The world is divided into 24 different time zones. Your body's natural 24-hour clock (circadian rhythm) is disrupted after crossing time zones.

Your body clock controls your sleeping and waking pattern. It also affects:

appetite
digestion
bowel habits
urine production
body temperature
blood pressure

Your body clock is set to your local time so that you feel hungry in the morning and sleepy in the evening. If you travel across time zones, it can take a while for your body clock to adjust to a new daily routine.

Treating jet lag

Jet lag can be a problem if you frequently fly long distances. However, it doesn't usually cause any serious or long-term health problems.

In most cases, the symptoms pass after a few days without the need for treatment. The advice below will help minimise the effects of jet lag.

When you arrive at your destination:

establish a new routine – eat and sleep at the correct times for your new time zone, not at the time you usually eat and sleep at home
avoid napping as soon as you arrive – even if you're tired after a long flight, staying active until the correct time to sleep will help your body adjust quicker
spend time outdoors – natural light will help your body adjust to a new routine

Seek advice from your GP or pharmacist before travelling if you take medication at specific times of the day, such as oral contraceptives or insulin.

Preventing jet lag

It's not possible to prevent jet lag, but there are things you can do to reduce its effects.

For example, make sure you're well hydrated before flying and drink plenty of fluid (but not alcohol) during the flight. Try to rest during the flight by taking short naps.