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What is a Jet Lag?


You most likely will experience what exactly a Jet lag is if you have piled up loads of frequent flyer miles in your kitty or are either planning for a vacation to a farer place. This time zone change desynchronises that you experience is the meaning of ‘Jet lag’. When you travel across different time zones or when your sleep gets disrupted, you will most likely face a physiological situation leading to a disruption in your body’s circadian rhythms. Though Jet lag is a temporary condition, it may occur when you face issues adjusting to a certain schedule. It may also occur due to shift work. Jet lag meaning is nothing but a lack of synchronization in your brain cells between two parts of the brain. The Jet lag meaning in Hindi says, ‘Vimaan Yatra se hui thakaan’. Most common Jet lag symptoms of include, depression, lack of appetite, loss of concentration, lethargy, daytime sleepiness, physical weakness, irritability, headache, etc.


Causes of Jetlag

Mentioned below are the causes of Jet lag:


A disturbance to your circadian rhythms


As explained above the Jet lag meaning, it is quite evident that it is a condition that can occur anytime when you cross the limit of two or more time zones. This results in your internal clock or your circadian rhythms getting disrupted due to multiple time zones. These circadian rhythms regulate your sleeping and waking cycle. This may also result in Jet lag nausea.


The effect of sunlight


Sunlight also is one of the main reasons to influence your internal clock. Light, inspires the melatonin regulation in your body. This is a hormone that aids in synchronization of the cells throughout your body. Therefore, research suggests that wearing sunglasses in case of a long-haul flight, can aid your body in adjusting to newer time zones by fluctuating light patterns.


In-flight cabin pressure and atmosphere

Air travel can be really hectic due to the increase in cabin pressure. Besides, high altitudes too contribute towards few of the Jet lag symptoms, irrespective of travel across time zones.


The humidity levels are very low in-flight. There are also higher chances of facing dehydration issues in case you do not drink enough water throughout your air travel. Therefore, you may also face jet lag due to Dehydration.


Types of Jetlag

There are no different types of Jet lag.


Treatments


What should you do in case your Jet lag symptoms worsen?


In case your Jet lag symptoms of Jet lag worsens, we have mentioned the below further recommendations. This would help you in Jet lag recovery at the earliest:


  • Eat well: Eat protein rich food. Nourish yourself with fruits, vegetables and very little carbs.
  • Sleep well at night – The best solution to get over a jet lag is by sleeping well at night. It may contradict my suggestion above but sleeping well in the night and taking small naps during the day time would ease out your problem.
  • Exercise. If you exercise a lot during day time, you will have a good night’s sleep due to physical activities involved during the day time. You may also take a good long walk.
  • Keep yourself hydrated: Water is something we can’t survive without. Therefore, keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water. Jet lag nausea will be taken care if you are well hydrated.
  • Ginger tea for an upset stomach: Consuming something as natural as a ginger tea will always give you a quicker resolution.
  • Hot bath before bedtime: Your sore muscles due to travel need some relaxation. Therefore, a hot shower before bedtime may work wonders.
  • Relax: Jet lag is a temporary condition and soon it will pass. So, RELAX!

What are the available treatment options?


Currently, treatment for jet lag isn’t yet available. However, if you make the below mentioned lifestyle changes, it can certainly minimize your Jet lag symptoms.


Health and Physical fitness: If you are fit physically fit, you eat and rest properly, lead a healthy lifestyle; then you would certainly face less Jet lag symptoms as compared to someone who is less fit.


Monitoring underlying medical conditions: If you are facing medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease or heart disease, jet lag can make these conditions even worse. Therefore, it is important to seek a medical practitioner’s advice prior commencing a long-haul trip.


Therefore, the Jet lag recovery is in your own hands. Follow the above options to have a memorable and stress-free travel.


Are there any natural/homemade remedies for Jet lag?


As they say, prevention is better than cure; it is essential that you take precautions before facing a jet lag. The below tips may also help you in your Jet lag recovery.


  • Early arrival: It makes sense to arrive early a few days prior to an important meeting, since that will give your body to adjust well with the time zone conditions.
  • Sleep and rest well before your trip: If you been deprived off sleep, trust us; your Jet lag would be even worse.
  • Adjusting your schedule prior to leaving will help: Before departure, make a habit of going to bed an hour early (each night) to cope up with the sleeping pattern, if you are travelling towards the east. But, if you are travelling towards the west, make a habit of going an hour later every night, before your departure.
  • Control bright light exposure: Light has an influence over your body's circadian rhythm. Therefore, you can regulate light exposure to help you adjust to the new time zone/location.
  • Staying on the new schedule: Setting your watch as per the new timings prior to your departure will help you cope up with the new time zone.
  • Drink a lot of water: Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water before, during as well as after your flight to offset the effects of dehydration due to low cabin pressure. Jet lag meaning in real sense can get worse if you aren’t well hydrated. Stay away from alcohol and drugs. Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages post midday since they make it difficult you to sleep well. This will certainly take care of Jet lag nausea.
  • Aromatherapy: Yes, you got it right! Essential oils such as lavender, ylang-ylang, and etc. work wonder to induce sleep. You may add few drops of this either into the diffuser or in your bath rub or simply rub on your skin. These oils when used in combination help in jet lag recovery at a faster pace.

When to see a doctor?


Jet lag is a temporary bodily condition. However, a sleep specialist may be of help in case you are a frequent flyer and struggle continuously with jet lag.


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