Jet Lag: If It is 3 O'Clock Here, Then What Time Is It There?

According to the MayoClinic, Jet Lag, also known as time zone change syndrome , is a sleeping disorder caused by traveling across multiple time zones, which results in the upheaval of one's body rhythms, most notably one's circadian cycle. This can be a problem since one does not want to spend their vacation or business trip in bed trying to catch up on sleep. Most of the symptoms of jet lag occur if three or more time zones are passed but remember everyone is different, crossing time zones will affect everyone differently. 

Some of the common symptoms of jet lag are: 

• disorientation

• irritability

• fatigue

• swollen eyes

• headaches

• cold-like symptoms

• muscle soreness

• stomach problems 

So what can be done about jet lag? Although there is no cure for jet lag (even the most seasoned of travelers get jet lag) there are some steps that can be taken to help alleviate the symptoms. 

• If you have an important event, try to arrive a few days before so your body can adjust to the new time zone

• Try to train your body a few days a head of time. For example if traveling East to West, stay up a little later each night before you depart so once you reach your destination your body is more prepared for the time difference 

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-protein diet 

• Exercise before the flight and make sure to move around during the flight as well

• Make sure to get enough sleep; sleep on the plane if you can

• Make sure to reset your watch once you get into the new time zone

Remember, not everyone is affected by jet lag and everyone has different experiences with jet lag. Before making travel plans remember to take into account the time difference. The typical rule of thumb is that it takes one day to recover for each time zone crossed.