Nothing dampens the excitement of arriving in a new country more than being held back by the fatigue and grogginess of jet lag. Jet lag can significantly impact travellers, leaving them fatigued and disoriented upon arrival at their destination. The severity and duration of jet lag symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the number of time zones crossed, the direction of travel, individual sensitivity, and how well you adapt to new sleep and wake times.
What is Jet Lag?
Jet lag occurs when your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythms, becomes desynchronised with the time zone you're in. Crossing multiple time zones quickly disrupts your sleep-wake cycle, leading to symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Essentially, your body's biological clock is still synchronised with your original time zone, causing a mismatch with the local time of your destination. However, with some proactive strategies, you can minimise its effects and make the most of your journey from start to finish.
Adjust Sleep Schedule Before Your Trip: Gradually shift your sleep schedule to match your destination's time zone a few days before your trip. Going to bed and waking up an hour earlier or later each day can help your body adapt more smoothly upon arrival.