Jet Lag - Causes & Symptoms
1Above is well known to help fight jet lag but first thing first.
What is jet lag?
“Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones.
Your body has its own internal clock, or circadian rhythms, that signals your body when to stay awake and when to sleep. Jet lag occurs because your body's clock is still synced to your original time zone, instead of to the time zone where you have traveled. The more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.
Jet lag can cause daytime fatigue, an unwell feeling, difficulty staying alert and gastrointestinal problems. Jet lag is temporary, but it can significantly reduce your vacation or business travel comfort.” - Mayo Clinic
What are the causes of jet lag?
Jet lag occurs by a combination of causes:
- A disruption of your circadian rhythm
- Sunlight exposure
- Cabin pressure and atmosphere
- Humidity and dehydration
What are the symptoms of jet lag?
Anyone can get jet lagged and symptoms vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms include disturbed sleep (e.g. waking early, insomnia), fatigue, dehydration, difficulty concentrating, diarrhoea or stomach issues, feeling unwell.
How to prevent/reduce jet lag?
Check out our article about how you can combat jet lag.
You will learn about jet lag solutions. What are they? And which one is effective?
- Melatonin
- Mobile Apps (e.g. Timeshifter)
- Homeopathic pills/sprays
- 1Above Effervescent Tablets
Frequently asked questions about jet lag
- Q: What does jet lag do to your body? How does jet lag affect you?
A: Jet lag causes a disruption to your internal clocks making you feel fatigued, tired, sleepless, dehydrated, and even cause some stomach issues.
- Q: How long does jet lag last?
A: Generally, your body can only adjust to the new time zone at a rate of 1-2 time zones per day. So the more time zones you cross, the more time you need to recover from jet lag. Typically, people will recover within a few days. However, there are some supplements that can help your body adjust to the new time zone faster.
- Q: When does jet lag occur?
A: Jet lag usually occurs within one or two days of travel.
- Q: Why is jet lag worse going from west to east?
A: Crossing several time zones from west to east causes more severe jet lag than flying the same time zones from east to west. This is because it is more difficult for your body's internal clock to advance rather than delay. In other words, it is hard for your body to be forced to go to bed earlier than usual.
- Q: Are jet lag pills effective?
A: It depends on what kind of jet lag supports you take. A majority of jet lag medications contain melatonin that might help with sleep. But the most effective way would be using 1Above, an infusion of vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Drinking 1Above helps you stay hydrated, and at the same time reduce the length of jet lag. 1Above contains Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark) that is clinically proven to reduce the severity of jet lag.
- Q: Can jet lag make you sick / feel dizzy?
A: Yes, jet lag can cause stomach ache and make you feel fatigued.
Source: Mayo Clinic