Jetlag

Synonym

Time zone hangover, circadian dysrhythmia

Definition

The term “jet lag” refers to a disturbance of the sleep-wake rhythm, which occurs mainly after long-haul flights over several time zones. People who fly from one continent to another impose a new time zone on their body. Complaints arising from this are summarized under the term “jet lag”.

Jet lag is a widespread problem. Particularly after fast journeys that span several time zones, the internal clock cannot adapt to the new local time quickly enough. For the organism, light and darkness therefore occur at completely unaccustomed times.

In this way, the accustomed eating and sleeping times are brought out of rhythm. As a result, hormone production and regulation of body temperature also become out of rhythm. Since the so-called “inner clock” can only adapt to a new local time very slowly, affected persons suffer from different complaints.

Jetlag can make itself felt both physically and psychologically. However, the direction of flight seems to play a decisive role in the occurrence of jetlag. People who travel from Europe to Asia, for example, and cross several time zones in this way are much more likely to be affected by jetlag.

This is due to the fact that the day is shorter when travelling east. This seems to be particularly difficult for the organism. With time, however, the body can also adjust to the new local time.

Sleep seems to be able to adapt particularly fast to the new day-night rhythm. Other bodily functions, on the other hand, take a little longer to make this change. Especially the gastrointestinal tract and the body temperature regulation centers work comparatively long after the original rhythm.

It can take several days or even weeks before all the processes work properly again. For this reason, jet lag can cause long-term illness during regular travel. In addition, the extent of jet lag seems to be related to a person’s individual sleep type. Early risers seem to cope much better with trips to the Far East than late risers. The reason for this is the fact that the inner clock of early risers seems to be able to adapt better to the time change.