The Hidden Dangers Of Jet Lag

The after effects of flying across different time zones are well known. They can leave you feeling groggy and short of sleep, and you may find that your concentration and memory are poor. In most cases, the effects wear off naturally after a few days of adjustment, but for some people, the consequences are more serious.

The human body is naturally programmed to function around a 24 hour cycle, where the body and brain communicate to let us know when to eat, rest, be active, go to sleep, and so on. This is known as the circadian rhythm, and it is driven by environmental cues such as light, noise, and temperature.  

When this natural body clock is disturbed, it can throw off the whole of the body’s normal functioning. Obviously, frequent fliers who regularly travel across time zones for business, or because they are airline crew, are more at risk that those who take an annual trip abroad, but jet lag can be a serious problem for any flier. 

Similar symptoms to jet lag can affect those who work night shifts, or suffer from sleep disorders. Here are some common side effects which you may not know about. 

Jet lag can upset the digestive system

The body gets used to eating at certain times of the day, which means that when a time zone is crossed, the traveller may be eating when the digestive system is not prepared for it. This can lead to indigestion, constipation, nausea, and stomach pains, so it is helpful to pack digestive relief medicine.

Time zones can affect medication doses

Changing time zones can make it difficult to know when the right time of day is to take regular medications. This may mean you end up taking too little or too much of something, which has side effects or other consequences.

Women may find that their menstrual cycles are disrupted, and if they take the contraceptive pill, they may end up taking them at the wrong time. If you are worried about how to take your medication when flying, it’s best to consult a doctor or pharmacist. 

Frequent jet lag may disrupt the metabolism

The constant disruption to the digestive system may eventually affect the body’s metabolism, which is how it processes food and converts it into energy. If it slows down permanently, this can lead to weight gain, and may even result in type 2 diabetes. Chronic lack of sleep is linked to faster rates of cognitive decline.

What can you do about jet lag?

Some scientists believe that taking melatonin tablets can help to ease the effects of jet lag. This is because the melatonin is a natural hormone which is released by the body to prepare it for sleep. Therefore, a course of the tablets before you travel on your outward journey, and before your return, may help your body to regulate sleeping cycles more easily.

Other treatments include using a light box or daylight lamp to gradually alter the sleep wake cycle before a journey. Mentally preparing yourself, and moving into a new routine as soon as possible, is also recommended.