Jet lag Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.
Answers to questions about jet lag
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will all my symptoms of jet lag get better at the same time?
- When should I control my exposure to light to try and reduce the symptoms of jet lag?
- Do the symptoms of jet lag get easier the more frequently you fly?
Will all my symptoms of jet lag get better at the same time?
No, some symptoms of jet lag may take longer to get better than others.
Explanation
Your body clock controls a number of different daily rhythms within your body, including the times you go to sleep and wake up, your core body temperature and the amount of some hormones in your blood. These in turn have widespread effects on your body.
These different body rhythms may not all adjust at the same rate and so you may continue to feel the effects of jet lag even if you think you have re-adjusted to the new time zone. For example, you may find that your sleep patterns take longer to get back to usual than any digestion problems you have had.
Further information
- National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org
Sources
- Waterhouse J, Reilly T, Atkinson G, et al. Jet lag: trends and coping strategies. The Lancet 2007; 369:1117-1129. www.lancet.com
- The impact of flying on travellers' health: a guide for healthcare professionals. British Medical Association. 2004. www.bma.org.uk
When should I control my exposure to light to try and reduce the symptoms of jet lag?
The times to control your exposure to light will depend on the direction in which you're travelling.
Explanation
To reduce the symptoms of jet lag you may want to try and adjust your body clock to a new time zone by controlling your exposure to bright light. The best times to do so depend on the direction you're travelling and the number of time zones you have crossed.
For example, if you're flying west and cross several time zones, when you arrive at your destination you should try and expose yourself to bright, natural afternoon light for several hours. If you're flying east and cross several time zones, when you arrive at your destination you should attempt to expose yourself to morning light for several hours. For more information you should seek advice from your GP or your travel centre.
Further information
- National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org
Sources
- Waterhouse J, Reilly T, Atkinson G, et al. Jet lag: trends and coping strategies. The Lancet 2007; 369:1117-1129. www.lancet.com
Do the symptoms of jet lag get easier the more frequently you fly?
No, you will still be affected by jet lag even if you often fly long distances.
Explanation
For people who frequently fly, such as airline crew, the normal body clock rhythms are still disturbed when they cross several time zones. Many airline crew members try to reduce the symptoms of jet lag by changing the times they go to sleep. Before travelling airline crew may try getting up and going to bed earlier if they are flying east or later if they are flying west. When they land they try to sleep at the correct times for the new time zone. If you fly frequently, controlling your exposure to bright light when you arrive at your destination and trying to stay alert during the daytime may also be helpful in reducing the symptoms of jet lag.
Further information
- National Travel Health Network and Centre
www.nathnac.org
Sources
- Waterhouse J, Reilly T, Atkinson G, et al. Jet lag: trends and coping strategies. The Lancet 2007; 369:1117-1129. www.lancet.com
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2008
Jet lag factsheet
Visit the jet lag health factsheet for more information.
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