Jet Lag (Dysynchronosis)
Courtesy of Global Discount TravelIntroduction
As much as it is very enjoyable, sometimes traveling has some side
effects. One of such side effects of
traveling is a phenomenon called jet lag. Jet lag is a phenomenon very common
for travelers from across different time zones; traveling from the USA to
Eritrea or to Europe is not an exception. This article, courtesy of
Global-Discount-Travel.com, explains the meaning and symptoms of jet lag.
Then it discusses the commonality, and possible solutions. What is it and what is the Cause
Jet lag is a
physiological (not psychological) phenomenon common in people who travel
across places of different time zones. It could also be a result of change of
shift work, or convention of advancing clocks. It’s effect may be aggravateed
by environmental factors. One may wonder what causes jet lag; it is caused
when the body clock goes out of synch because of change in the origin and
destination time zones (circumstances). That means, ones expectation of
darkness and light is disturbed and becomes contrary to what the body is used
to. The rhythms dictating the time we eat and sleep differ with the
destination condition or environment. In such circumstances, the body lacks
immediate capability of realigning to the new rhyzmes, thus a jet lag is
caused. It is important to note that jet lag is not that common if only one
time zone is crossed. In general, the more time zones are crossed the sevier
the effect.
Not only change in time zone, jet lag is also caused
because flying high means high ozone content, low humidity, and constant
presurization of the cabin has a draining effect. Further, drinking alcohol
and overeating increases the effect of jet lag.
Symptoms
As the effect of jet lag varies from person to
person, the symptoms are quite varied. Generally though, dehaydration, loss
of appetite, headaches or sinus irritation, fatigue, disorientation or
groggines, nausea and/or upset stomach, insomia and/or irregular sleep
paterns, irritability, irrationality, and mild depression are the most common
symptoms. Some people confuse jet lag with length of
flight. But jet lag and length of flight are not related. One may travel long hours and experience
no jet lag, where as another person may travel short hours but experience jet
lag. For example, travelling from Pretoria to Frankfurt which takes about 10
hour while staying on the same meridian (same time zone), is less inducive of
jet lag than a five-hour flight between New York and Los Angeles (going west)
or a flight from Washington DC to Asmara (going East) because of the
difference in time zone.
Commonality
Just like a change does not affect everybody
similarly, the experience of jet lag varies among individuals. The speed at
which the body readjusts itself to new daylight/darkness hours and
eating/sleeping patterns is entirely dependent upon the individual. Thus,
while it may take a few days for some people to readjust to a new time zone,
others seem to experience little disruption to their body's natural sleeping
patterns. Some factors do nevertheless affect the severity
of jet lag. For example, age; jet lag affects younger people much more than
older ones. Gender also plays a role; females tend to be more vulnerable to
jet lag than males. Location is also a factor; jet lag is more sever near the
north and south poles where there are extreme periods of daylight or
darkness, depending on the time of year. Besides, travel direction impacts on
the severity of the effect of jet lag; travelling west to east is more
disruptive.
Solutions
Jet lag may last a day or more; the worst
effect is actually felt on the second and third days. To get a rapid
recovery, a number of solutions are recommended. Holding the excitement
and/or avoiding hectic schedule immediately after arrival, and taking a good
sleep immediately after arrival and while traveling are highly recommended.
Relaxation, moderate exercise (in a seat or walking around the plane), and
sensible diet are other recommended practices. Drinking more non alcoholic
fluids is also highly suggested to lower the effect of jet lag. Further, the
effect of jet lag can be minimized by adjusting eating and sleeping schedules
to the destination time zone some days before departure. Most importantly, passangers should come to
the departure airport ahead of time as rushing around the day of departure
worsens the effect of jet lag. It is said that a day recovery time for a
single change of time zone could be taken as a fair recovery rate. So much about do’s. Some people take some medication to minimize the effect of jet lag. Please do not use sleeping pills, travel-sickness medicines, and other drugs as they aggravate jet lag. Global Discount
Travel and Jet Lag
Global Discount Travel is pleased and proud to provide you with important
travel information that makes your trip exciting and pleasing. Please feel
free to call us at 1-800-374-8732 or 301-270-6020, or fax at 301-270-5730.
You may also visit our website www.global-discount-travel.com
or email as at global@global-discount-travel.com. We
provide very affordable domestic and international discount fares and
exccelent customer service. The Global Discount Travel Team |
The
content below this line is advertisement generated automatically and ertra.com
doesn't control or endorse the content in anyway.