Adventure Doc Jet Lag

When people travel, especially via airline, they can cross many time zones. This can play havoc on a person's cercadian rhythm. This is the body's internal clock that says when to sleep and wake-up. This rhythm is largely based on the sun and darkness. Knowing this, we can help speed along the time zone acclimitization process.

When someone travels, for example, from Europe to America they loose time. A flight that takes off from London at eight in the morning is going to arrive in Los Angeles approximately 12 hours later. It will be eight in the evening for the person landing in LA (dinner time) but the people already in LA will be on lunch. Jet lag is occuring due to the person not being on the schedule of the locals.

When someone lands in a new location, after crossing time zones, they need to adjust themselves as quickly as possible. The goal is to sleep and awaken at the same time as the locals. If your internal clock is used to sleeping at 9 PM at home, it could be making you tired at lunchtime on your trip. Staying awake can be helped with some tea and time spent ooutdoors in sunlight. Even having bright lights on in your room can help fight off the feeling of tiredness.

Conversly, when it is time to sleep in your new destination and you feel wide awake because it is morning in your homecity, try to rest. You may not be ablet to actually sleep, but you should lay in a dark room and try to rest. As soon as possible, get into the rhythm of the new area. Wake up when the locals do and keep yourself awake until the night comes.

For exceptional circumstances such as meetings or events that cannot allow for the few days required to adjust to the new schedule, there are a few options. Ask your doctor about sleeping aids such as Ambien (zolpidem). Only consider this if you can ensure you will get at least 8 hours of sleep. "Hangovers" are possible with this and you may feel tired, even after 8 hours of sleep. For those that need to stay awake, Provigil (modafinil) can be used. This is a medicine that has been given to pilots for long distance flights. Used for short term (less than 3 days) these medications can be effective in combating cercadian rhythm disturbances (jet lag).