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Jet lag occurs when the body’s natural sleep/wake cycle is disrupted by changes in light and dark signals or local time, often affecting airline passengers traveling across time zones. Symptoms can include headaches, irritability, and depression. Remedies include exercise, maintaining normal eating schedules, and getting enough sleep. Some medications, such as Viagra, may also help alleviate symptoms.
The human body depends on a series of signals to determine a natural sleep/wake cycle, otherwise known as the circadian rhythm. One such cue is the difference between light and dark, and another is the natural progression of linear time. Both of these signals 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 signals or local time can be a condition known as jet lag.
Jet lag often affects airline passengers who travel between time zones, not within the same time zone. A flight departing Chicago at 1 AM local time, for example, can land at approximately 1 AM local time in California. Passengers would still be adjusted to Chicago time, however, they may experience jet lag symptoms when their sleep cycle is disrupted. The bright cues of a California sun can also make Chicago passengers feel disoriented or confused during their regular bedtime.
However, the symptoms of jet lag can go beyond temporary confusion or disorientation. Some passengers who have traveled across different time zones may experience severe headaches, sinus congestion, general irritability and even mild depression. The disruption to a passenger’s circadian rhythm can last for several days and can be even worse for those traveling from west to east. Gaining several hours of daylight doesn’t seem to be as debilitating as losing hours from a natural bedtime after dark.
Some suggested remedies for jet lag include moderate exercise, maintaining normal eating schedules regardless of local time, and getting enough sleep. Some seasoned air travelers also suggest removing shoes and socks so a passenger can scrub bare feet on the plane’s carpet. The familiar feel should help passengers orient themselves after a long flight with few natural cues. While there are currently no miracle cures for jet lag symptoms, some preliminary studies of the drug Viagra have suggested that it may have some effect on some jet lagged passengers’ feelings of disorientation and confusion. There may be other anti-anxiety or blood pressure medications that have the same effect. Anti-nausea medications for motion sickness can also have some positive effects on feeling jet lagged as well.
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