Jet lag - Symptoms of jet lag

The symptoms of jet lag can vary from person to person.

The severity of your symptoms will usually depend on the distance travelled and the number of time zones crossed.

Most people only experience the symptoms of jet lag after crossing at least three time zones. Others may find they get mild symptoms after shorter journeys.

Sleep disturbance

A disturbed sleep pattern is one of the most common symptoms of jet lag.

You may find it difficult to sleep at the correct times. For example, you may be wide awake at night and need to sleep during the day.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of jet lag can include:

indigestion
constipation
diarrhoea
nausea
loss of appetite
difficulty concentrating
feeling disorientated
anxiety
irritability
memory problems
clumsiness
lethargy (lack of energy)
lightheadedness
confusion
headaches
sweating
muscle soreness
irregular periods in women who travel frequently
generally feeling unwell

Symptoms usually last no more than one to two days, depending on how quickly your body is able to adjust to the new time zone.