The greater the number of time zones crossed, the higher the likelihood of experiencing jet lag,” said Dr Indranil Chakraborty, consultant, Aerospace Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore.
Jet lag can be an exhausting experience, especially for frequent travelers. Despite the love for travel, the dislike for jet lag is widely shared. Something similar was experienced by actor Shruti Haasan who took to her Instagram Stories to say, “This jet lag is brutal”.
Dr Rahul Tambe, senior consultant, internal medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai shared that our bodies are governed by two clocks, one that is external and another one which is internal, also called the circadian rhythm. “Based on the outside clock and environmental factors such as light or temperature, our circadian rhythm dictates the routine of sleep, food, metabolic processes and other bodily activities,” said Dr Tambe.
Jet lag or jet lag disorder, refers to a temporary sleep issue that can impact individuals who rapidly travel across multiple time zones. The human body possesses its own internal clock known as circadian rhythms, which regulate periods of wakefulness and sleep, explained Dr Indranil Chakraborty, consultant, Aerospace Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore.
“Jet lag occurs because the internal clock remains synchronised with the original time zone and fails to adjust to the new time zone visited. The greater the number of time zones crossed, the higher the likelihood of experiencing jet lag,” said Dr Chakraborty.
Dr Chakraborty added that although these symptoms are temporary, they can affect one’s comfort while on vacation or during a business trip. “Nevertheless, there are measures you can take to prevent or minimise the effects of jet lag. It has been observed that jet lag becomes more severe in eastbound flights rather than in westbound flights,” said the expert.
What can help?
The best way to avoid jet lag is exposure to natural light in the new time zone, hydration, and taking short naps. “It is essential to avoid coffee or alcohol as it can further aggravate the sleep disorder,” said Dr Tambe.
