Jetlag Relief

Jetlag Hits Differently Depending on Your Travel Direction

What Causes Jetlag?

Jetlag is a phenomenon that occurs when your body’s internal clock gets out of sync with the local time at your destination. This happens because your body has a natural daily cycle that’s regulated by your brain, and it takes time for your body to adjust to the new time zone.

Before you travel, you’re in sync with your local time. However, when you cross multiple time zones, your body’s rhythms no longer align with the clock on the wall. This is when jetlag symptoms kick in, making it difficult to enjoy your holiday and adjust back to your normal routine when you return home.

Jetlag Isn’t the Same for Everyone

Interestingly, the experience of jetlag varies between people. This is because our internal clocks tick at slightly different rates, with most people having a natural daily cycle of around 24.2 hours. Researchers believe this is an evolutionary adaptation that allows us to adjust to different day lengths throughout the year.

Some people have slightly longer or shorter cycles than others, which may affect how they experience jetlag. For example, research suggests that if you have a longer cycle, you might adjust quicker to westward travel, but there’s no clear consensus on whether a shorter cycle helps when traveling in the opposite direction.

As we age, our bodies become less resilient, which can make jetlag symptoms worse. Additionally, our internal clocks can become less accurate with age, making it more challenging to adjust to new time zones.

Does Direction of Travel Matter?

Many people find that westward travel, where you "gain" time, is a bit easier. This is because your body’s internal clock naturally delays, shifting a little later relative to the local time each day. For example, if you travel from Adelaide to Perth, you’ll gain a few hours, and your body will naturally adjust to the new time zone.

On the other hand, traveling eastward, where you "lose" time, can be more challenging. This is because your body’s internal clock speeds up, making it harder to adjust to the new time zone. For instance, if you travel from Adelaide to Auckland, you’ll lose several hours, and your body may struggle to adjust to the new time zone.

Is Jetlag Just ‘Psychological’?

Some people might wonder if jetlag is just in their head. While it’s true that jetlag is a mismatch between your body’s internal time and local time, it’s not just a psychological condition. It’s a physiological response that affects your body’s rhythms and natural cycles.

6 Tips to Alleviate Jetlag Symptoms

1. Start Adjusting Before You Leave: Decide whether it’s worth trying to adapt to the new time zone or not. If it’s only a short trip, it might make more sense to stay on your home time. If it’s longer than three days, start consciously moving your own rhythms – such as when you sleep, eat, exercise, and get sunlight – towards the new time zone.

2. Set Your Watch to Your Destination’s Time Zone: On the plane, set your watch to your destination’s time zone and line up your activities accordingly. This will help your body start adjusting to the new time zone.

3. Keep Caffeine and Alcohol Intake Low: Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the journey, as they can disrupt your sleep and hydration. This will be better for your body and help with adjusting to the new time zone.

4. Sleep During Local Nighttime: When adjusting to a new time zone, try to sleep during the local nighttime and just rest when you need to at other times. Short naps can give you a boost to get through the day and evening activities. Aim for about 30 minutes and avoid naps later in the day as you near your actual planned bedtime.

5. Get Outside: Sunlight is key to adjusting to a new time zone. Depending on your time zone change, appropriately-timed outside activities will help. This can include taking a walk, having a picnic, or simply sitting in the sun.

6. Stick to Small Meals and Eat When You’re Hungry: If you’re prone to or experience tummy trouble while traveling, stick to small meals and eat when you’re hungry. Your body will tell you when it’s ready for food.

Conclusion

Jetlag can be a frustrating experience, but by understanding how it affects your body and implementing a few simple strategies, you can alleviate symptoms and make your travel experience smoother. Remember to adjust before you leave, set your watch to your destination’s time zone, keep caffeine and alcohol intake low, sleep during local nighttime, get outside, and stick to small meals. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your holiday and adjusting back to your normal routine when you return home.

FAQs

Q: Is jetlag just in my head?
A: No, jetlag is a physiological response that affects your body’s rhythms and natural cycles.

Q: Does direction of travel matter?
A: Yes, traveling westward can be easier than traveling eastward due to the natural delay of your body’s internal clock.

Q: How can I alleviate jetlag symptoms?
A: Try adjusting before you leave, setting your watch to your destination’s time zone, keeping caffeine and alcohol intake low, sleeping during local nighttime, getting outside, and sticking to small meals.

Q: How long does it take for my body to adjust to a new time zone?
A: It typically takes a few days for your body to adjust to a new time zone, but it can vary depending on individual factors such as age and internal clock accuracy.