About this topic
Jet lag is a sleep disorder. Your body has trouble adjusting as you travel across time zones. Your sleep schedule is upset. You may have problems falling asleep or may wake too early in the new time zone. ‚
What are the causes?
- Your body is not able to quickly get used to a new time zone
- Changes in the atmosphere, pressure, and temperature
- Change in the time of light and dark
What can make this more likely to happen?
- You travel a lot
- Traveling across more than one time zone
- Traveling east
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Lack of sleep
- Drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
What are the main signs?
- Problem sleeping at the right time. You may sleep during the day, wake up too early, or not be able to fall asleep at night. You may sleep too much or feel tired during the day.
- Loss of concentration or memory loss
- Headaches
- Not feeling well
- Belly problems like throwing up, hard stools, or loose stools
- Dizziness
- Sweating
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your health and sleep history. Your doctor will do an exam and ask about other signs or health problems. Talk to your doctor about how often you travel. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Jet lag does not always need treatment. Your doctor may give you drugs and light therapy. This can help if you travel a great deal. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help you sleep
- Help you relax
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Get lots of rest and sleep before you travel.
- Sleep on the plane if it will be night-time at your destination.
- Drink lots of water before, during, and after your flight.
Helpful tips
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) or caffeine.
- Eat light meals only.
- Walk a little before boarding your flight.
- Stretch while sitting in your seat.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Sleep Medicine ‚
http://www.aasmnet.org/resources/factsheets/crsd.pdf ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Jet_lag ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jet-lag/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚