Jet Lag

What causes jet lag?

The body is programmed in accordance to the time zone which we inhabit. This is called a 'circadian rhythm' which controls our 24-hour routine which causes us to be tired and hungry, as well as controlling our body temperature and digestion. When travelling across different time zones, the body often does not have time to adapt to the new schedule, which is one of the causes of jet lag, particularly for people with very regular sleeping patterns.

Other causes can include low oxygen levels during the flight, dehydration and the direction of travel, as the symptoms are usually more pronounced when travelling east because the day is shortened rather than lengthened.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom of jet lag is a disturbed sleeping pattern or tiredness. This is because your body becomes confused by the disparity between the time of day and the need to rest, causing drowsiness, irritability, disorientation and general confusion. Other symptoms include nausea, headaches, general soreness, difficulty concentrating and menstrual irregularities in women.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone who travels across multiple time zones is likely to suffer from some jet lag symptoms, although it is thought that babies and children are less at risk as their sleeping patterns tend to be less structured. People over the age of 60 tend to be more prone to the condition and anyone who has suffered from symptoms when travelling in the past is more likely to experience them again.

Can you avoid jet lag?

If you are going on a long-distance flight, there is no way to avoid jet lag altogether, however there are ways to limit the chances of suffering from the more severe symptoms. Limiting stress and altering your sleep routine by one or two hours before the flight can help to prepare you for a change in sleeping patterns and avoid jet lag symptoms. Similarly, exercising throughout the flight and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids may also help to limit the symptoms.

Can you cure jet lag?

There is no such thing as a jet lag cure as it is not a disease. However, the symptoms of can be treated using a treatment pack, which includes a hormone that the body produces naturally in the evenings to instruct the brain to sleep. This can help with some of the most common symptoms and makes it easier for the body to adjust to the new time zone.

Can you buy a Jet Lag Treatment Pack online?

Yes. Treatment packs to avoid jet lag symptoms are available to purchase online at euroClinix after completing an online consultation. This is to determine whether the treatment pack to avoid jet lag will be effective and safe for you to take. If your order is approved by one of our doctors, you will be issued a prescription which will be dispatched from a registered pharmacy for free next day delivery so that you can take your medication with you on your holiday.