What Is Jet Lag? Why Do We Get It?

Jet Lag Meaning?

What is Jet Lag and why do we get it? The best and easiest way to define ‘Jet Lag’ is to say it’s like having a debilitating ‘sleep disorder’. Jet Lag is also called ‘Time Zone Change Syndrome.’ It can affect anyone who travels across multiple time zones in a short time. Spending hours on a plane flying across different time zones can affect your internal body clock. Being jetlagged can leave you feeling weary, dehydrated and even unwell.

Jet Lag | Prevention, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Jet lag is a temporary condition which affects many long-haul passengers and is a health hazard for those who travel long-distances for business. Some passengers suffer more than others and find it very difficult to reset their circadian rhythm and adjusting to a new time zone. These unpleasant feelings can last for weeks until your body’s circadian rhythm syncs to its original or old time zone.

Symptoms can affect you both day and night. You may find you wake in the early hours of the morning and unable to fall back to sleep. Day time fatigue and the need for an afternoon nap are prevalent ailments. Depending on how many time zones you cross, the higher the chances you will experience symptoms of jet lag.

Research Proves

Research studies shows that jet lag also causes memory lapse, irritability, digestive disorders, impaired judgement and lack of apathy. People suffering from Jet Lag have been compared to drivers under the influence of alcohol. Taking some simple steps can help prevent and minimise jet lag.

Travellers often ask ‘How long does jet lag last’, and the right answer is the duration of the symptoms depends on several factors. Being outdoors in natural light, eating well and drinking lots of water is nature’s way of reducing the unpleasant feelings of jetlag.

How To Reduce Jet Lag | Jet Lag Cures and Remedies 

These jet lag prevention and recovery tips may help reduce the severity and shorten the duration. If symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.

What is Pycnogenol and does it prevent or reduce Jet Lag symptoms?

Pycnogenol a ‘pine bark extract’ is the world’s most clinically researched super antioxidant. 1Above flight drink hit the market nearly 10 years ago with the aim of helping world travellers recover quicker from the fatigue of travelling.

What is 1 Above?

1Above anti Jet Lag effervescent drink tablets contain super-antioxidant ‘pycnogenol’, plus vitamins and electrolytes that help support optimal hydration.

Adding 1Above hydration products to your water may help to prevent and reduce the symptoms of jet lag. These key electrolytes help support optimal hydration. However, before taking any product ask your doctor about the potential side effects and benefits as some products can interact with medications. 

What You Can Do to Help Yourself

These Jet Lag prevention and recovery tips may also help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Speak to your doctor, if symptoms persist.

• Set your watch to the time zone of your destination, after take-off.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Although, wine can make you feel sleepy, it accelerated dehydration.
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after flying to reduce your jet lag symptoms.
• Avoid artificial light. Sunglasses, jet lag mask and eye mask can help.
• When you arrive at your destination, try to stay awake until your regular bed time. Being outside in natural light will help reset your body clock to adjust to the new time zone. Don’t forget to wear your sunglasses.
• Depending on the distance you are travelling, consider whether flying through the day or night is best for you.
• Jet lag pills like Swiss Vitamin B12 and Ostelin Vitamin D supplements may help to reset your body clock and combat fatigue.
• 1Above anti Jet Lag effervescent drink tablets with super antioxidant pycnogenol, vitamins and electrolytes help support optimal hydration. Read what their customers say about 1Above here. Get 10% discount on 1Above products when you use the code: PROTRAVEL10 at the checkout.
•  Propeaq premium light glasses can reduce the effects of jet lag. 
• Melatonin supplements and medication are referred to as the ‘jet lag helper’. It has been used for the treatment of jet lag for decades. The results are conflicting regarding its effectiveness however many travellers swear by it. Taking Melatonin for jet lag may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions as it may interfere with other medication. In some countries like Australia, Melatonin medication is only available on prescription from a medical doctor.
• Anti-jet lag remedies such as homeopathic versions (non-drug) are safe and may work for you.
• Liddell JLg Jet lag may prevent jet lag and eases tiredness, dehydration, disorientation and sleeplessness.
• Massage, exercising and stretching are the simple most powerful aids in fighting jet lag. Exercise helps your body to release the good-feel hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and testosterone. These naturally-made pick-me-ups help boost your immune system, improve mood and sleep quality.

Disclosure: Please understand that the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. I earn a commission if you decide to purchase one of the products listed. Everything item noted, I have used myself and find them beneficial when travelling. But make sure you make your own judgment before purchasing. Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd.

Do Children Get Jet Lag?

Yes, Yes, Yes! Just like adults, babies and children can also be affected by Jet Lag. It can be a very challenging time for parents dealing with a child under the evil spell of nasty jet lag symptoms! Baby jet lag conversations are a common thread on parenting travel forums. Parents desperate to learn tips and tricks to avoid it. Sadly from years of travelling with my own children, I can confirm that there is no magic wand or answer! Just go with the flow is my best advice. Sleep when they sleep, eat when they eat and play when they play. Unfortunately, jet lag is the ugly side effect of international travel.

Tell Tale Signs of a Jet Lag Child

Children are often teary, grumpy, bad-mannered, sleepy and complain of feeling unwell. You get the picture! A little person can become fearful and confused by the terrible feelings associated with an internal body clock that is totally out of whack.

There are several things you can do to help your child cope better. Choosing the right time to fly is a good start, a flight close to regular bedtime. An overnight stopover will also help to break up the duration of a long-haul flight and help your child to sync their body clock to a new time zone.

Relax and Recover

It is important not to hit the ground running at your new destination. If you have a planned family event, allow the entire family a few days of rest before the special occasion. Same goes for when you get home.

How to get over jetlag is not an easy question to answer and even more difficult to explain to children. Reassure your child that the symptoms won’t last forever and encourage them to eat and drink well and to play outdoors in warm sunshine. There will be plenty of screen-time for them on the flight home!

What’s Your Worst Jet Lag Experience?

Over two decades, I have learnt that jetlag comes part and parcel with international travel. Today, I am less prone to jet lag symptoms by following the steps I wrote about above. My symptoms are less evident when I listen to my body and drink 1Above pre and post flights. The effects of jet lag will almost always be there especially when you fly across multiple time zones.

So, what is your worst jetlag experience? Here’s mine! In 2007, I travelled for over 24 hours straight with no sleep from Australia to South France. When we arrived in St Gery, we were met by friends who took us to a fine dining restaurant in the next village. After a glass or two of delicious French wine, my head fell into my dinner plate. I just couldn’t keep awake any longer. Our friends put me in the back of their car and continued on with dessert.