Jet lag, a standard problem for frequent travellers, can vary in severity from gentle fatigue to extended discomfort. Whereas the phenomenon impacts everybody who travels throughout time zones, its depth varies considerably amongst people.
Dr Bikky Chaurasia, Guide in Inside Medication at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explains why some persons are extra affected than others.
Why does jet lag fluctuate between people?
Some folks expertise extra extreme jet lag attributable to a mixture of things, stated Dr Chaurasia:
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1. Age
Older people typically face extra pronounced jet lag signs. That is partly as a result of ageing can cut back the physique’s potential to adapt shortly to adjustments within the circadian rhythm.
2. Pre-existing Sleep Problems
Situations like insomnia, sleep apnea, or stressed leg syndrome can exacerbate jet lag by making it more durable to regulate to a brand new sleep schedule.
3. Journey Route
The course of journey performs a major function. Flying eastward (e.g., New York to London) requires shortening the physique’s pure circadian rhythm, which is tougher than lengthening, as in westward journey (e.g., New York to Los Angeles).
Dr Bikky Chaurasia, Guide in Inside Medication at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explains why some persons are extra affected than others. (Supply: Freepik)
4. Journey Frequency and Length
Frequent flyers or these enterprise long-haul flights might expertise cumulative disruptions to their circadian rhythm, resulting in extra extreme and extended jet lag signs.
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5. Food plan and Hydration
Throughout journey, poor hydration and unhealthy consuming habits can intensify signs corresponding to fatigue and digestive discomfort, worsening the general expertise of jet lag.
6. Journey Timing
Flights that disrupt your standard sleep schedule, corresponding to red-eye flights, could make it more durable for the physique to regulate, prolonging restoration.
Dr Chaurasia stated that on common, it takes about at some point per time zone crossed for the physique to totally alter. Nevertheless, particular person restoration can fluctuate relying on general well being, age, and journey habits.
Tricks to handle jet lag
- Put together in Advance: A couple of days earlier than travelling, step by step shift your sleep schedule to match your vacation spot time zone.
- Use Gentle Publicity: Maximise daylight publicity upon arrival to assist reset your inside clock.
- Keep Hydrated: Drink loads of water throughout your flight and keep away from extreme caffeine or alcohol.
- Melatonin Dietary supplements: Take into account melatonin dietary supplements underneath medical recommendation to assist in adjusting your sleep-wake cycle.
