28 July 2015
About Jet LagJet lag is the tired, sleepy, confused feeling that occurs when one travels across different time zones especially after a long aircraft journey.
Medically termed as desynchronosis, it is the result of disturbance in the body's circadian rhythm, a disruption of the internal 24 hour body clock. Causes Of Jet LagJet lag is caused due to the body's inability to immediately adjust to the different time zones thus triggering the known symptoms of jet lag.
The hypothalamus in the brain is the clock that acts as an alarm that activates feelings like thirst, hunger, sleep and monitors the body temperature, level of hormones and glucose in the blood and blood pressure. So that the body perceives the time of the day, the optic nerve fibers transmit the perception of light and darkness to the master clock in the hypothalamus which controls and synchronizes the biological clocks located throughout the body. During long distance travelling, when the eye of the traveller perceives light or darkness earlier or later than usual, the hypothalamus triggers functions that the body is not ready for and jet lag results. Apart from disruption of the circadian rhythm, other factors that cause jet lag are lower oxygen levels in the blood due to lower air pressure levels in the aeroplane cabin. This affects the physical and mental abilities. Also, our body adapts faster to a longer day or travelling westwards than a reducing day length or travelling eastward as it is easier to delay sleep by some hours rather than going to sleep earlier. Going from North to South or vice versa does not cause jet lag as no time zones are crossed. The farther the distance travelled the worse the symptoms and longer the recovery period. It is believed the body needs about a day recovery time for each time zone or two crossed. Symptoms Of Jet LagSome of the symptoms that may be experienced during jet lag include the following :
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How To Avoid Jet LagThe following are some ways to cope with jet lag.
Moving about from time to time will also keep muscle stiffness at bay and refresh the body.
Eat light meals as both the body and digestive system is in adjustment mode.
Generally a dose of 0.5 mg is advised for 3 days, an hour before bedtime but it is better to check with your doctor for the dose. Melatonin is suggested to be taken once the destination has been reached. Jet Lag AdvisorThe jet lag advisor (link given below) offered by British Airways, suggests the best things to do to minimize jet lag. Click on the link and follow the instructions.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/drsleep/public/en_gb# Happy Flying! |