Jet Lag

People having air travel over long distances may suffer from a condition called as Jet lag. This is the result of maladjustment of the body to different time zones. The affected individual will have disturbed sleep episodes and will be fatigued and lethargic. The biological clock within the body gets disturbed in such long journeys and what results is called as Jet lag.

People of all age groups are prone to develop this condition. Even though, it is more seen in people aged 50 and above and is rarely seen in children. However other than the temporary disturbance, it won’t cause any major health issues. Most of the people experience complete relief in few days.

Symptoms

The symptoms are not common in all. The intensity is based on the distance travelled and number of time zones travelled across. The most significant symptom is sleep disturbance. An individual won’t be able to get a good sleep or may sleep in day time and stay awake at night. Other manifestations includes problems with digestion, constipation or diarrhoea, sense of vomiting, anorexia, inability in concentrating, nervousness, irritability, problems associated with memory functions, awkwardness, lack of energy, dizziness, puzzled state, headache, perspiration, and general sense of sickness.

These symptoms are seen only for few days needed for the body to adapt to the new time zone.

Causes

Circadian rhythm:
Jet lag is the result of disturbance to the biological clock. Once the body is unable to adapt quickly to the change in time zone, the symptoms may be elicited.

Oxygen levels:

Due to the comparatively low air pressure within the plane, oxygen level in the blood also will be reduced. A reduced circulating volume of oxygen in the blood can leave a person extremely weak. Added to this, there are certain conditions that aggravate the situation. This includes dehydration, inadequate sleep, alcohol consumption, stress etc.

East and west:

A person travelling towards east is more likely to suffer from jet lag because the body is not easily adapted to the less duration of daytime in east.

Sleep routine:

People who follow a regular time based sleep are more prone to this condition.

Prevention

The following measures are helpful in controlling the ill effects:

Before travel:

• Change your sleep routine – a change in time in accordance to the direction of your travel can help you.
• Get enough sleep – have regular normal hours of sleeping in the days just preceding the air travel.
• Keep calm – delays between flights or unexpected situations amid travel should be faced relaxingly.

During the travel:

• Drink lot of fluids
• Avoid alcohol intake
• Keep active – periodically stretch arms and legs. Walking around at times also will be of help.
• Get some sleep – try to relax and sleep

On arrival:

• Get into your new routine – try to get accustomed to the new time zone
• Avoid napping – do not immediately go to sleep unless it is bed time.
• Spend time outdoors -exposure of body to natural light will enhance the adaptation process.