Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Jet Lag?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

The human body depends on a number of cues to determine a natural sleep/wake cycle, otherwise known as a Circadian rhythm. One of these cues is the difference between light and dark, and another is the natural progression of linear time. Both of these cues can be seriously altered, however, by events such as extended air travel or a shift change at work. The result of these abrupt changes in light and dark cues or local time can be a condition known as jet lag.

Jet lag often strikes airline passengers who are moving between time zones, not within the same time zone. A flight leaving Chicago at 1pm local time, for example, may land roughly at 1pm local time in California. The passengers would still be adjusted to Chicago time, however, so they might experience symptoms of jet lag as their sleep cycle becomes disrupted. The light cues of a California sun may also cause Chicago passengers to feel disoriented or confused at their normal bedtimes.

Traveling across time zones can give a person jet lag.
Traveling across time zones can give a person jet lag.

The symptoms of jet lag can go beyond a temporary confusion or disorientation, however. Some passengers who have traveled across several time zones may experience severe headaches, sinus congestion, general irritability, and even mild depression. The disruption to the passenger's Circadian rhythm may linger for several days, and can be even worse for those who travel from west to east. Gaining several hours of daylight does not appear to be as debilitating as losing hours from a natural bedtime after dark.

Airline passengers experience jet lag when they fly across time zones.
Airline passengers experience jet lag when they fly across time zones.

Some suggested remedies for jet lag include moderate exercise, maintaining normal eating schedules regardless of local time, and getting sufficient amounts of sleep. Some seasoned air travelers also suggest removing shoes and socks in order for a passenger to rub his or her bare feet on the plane's carpeting. The familiar sensation should help passengers orient themselves after a long flight with few natural cues. While there are currently no miracle cures for the symptoms of jet lag, some preliminary studies on the drug Viagra have suggest it may be have some effect on the feelings of disorientation and confusion some jet-lagged passenger experience. There may be other anti-anxiety or blood pressure medications which produce the same effect. Anti-nausea medications for motion sickness may also have some positive effects on feelings of jet lag as well.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

malena

I've heard from other travelers that traveling west to east is harder than east to west, like this article states. But as someone who lives in the west and usually travels east to get to my destinations, I find that that going is easier to handle. It's coming home (i.e., going east to west) that seems to be harder for me. But perhaps excitement has an impact on jet lag. Traveling to my destination (which usually means going east) is easier to take jet-lag-wise than coming home, which means coming back to work. :(

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Traveling across time zones can give a person jet lag.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Traveling across time zones can give a person jet lag.
    • Airline passengers experience jet lag when they fly across time zones.
      By: hallucion_7
      Airline passengers experience jet lag when they fly across time zones.
    • Getting sufficient sleep is a remedy for jet lag.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Getting sufficient sleep is a remedy for jet lag.