What Science Says About Get Lag

Traveling can be a lot of fun because you get to go to new places and meet new people. However, it can be rough on your system, especially if you travel a lot. After all, you're moving from one place to another.

However, all that traveling can really mess with your internal clock. That can lead to a common condition that frequently affects travelers. This condition is known as jet lag. Keep reading to learn more about it.

Jet lag is not some kind of mental state as it was previously thought to be. It is a genuine psychological condition that is caused by massive interruption to the circadian rhythm. This is your body's internal clock that lets you know when it's time to be awake and when it is time to sleep.

This condition arises from the fact that you travel quickly to a time zone that is drastically different than the one that you came from. It can cause extreme tiredness during the day, insomnia at night, overall body malaise or fatigue, dizziness, dehydration, headaches, and other similar issues.

It is not totally understood why this occurs, but it is believed that the body's natural levels are interrupted by the difference in time. Some studies have shown noticeable differences before travel and after travel in plasma levels, hormone levels, body temperature measurements, and other functions in the body.

Luckily, this can usually be prevented and sleep treated. The best thing that you can do is get enough sleep before traveling. Also, try not to sleep during the day to avoid causing too many interruptions to your sleep schedule. Also, try sleeping on something comfortable in a quiet environment. Avoid alcohol and caffeine at least a few hours before bed, too.

Once you're at your location, avoid trying to sleep in during the day and eating just before going to bed. Try treating your sleep schedule like you would from your previous location, but adapt it to the times in your new location to get your system get back on track.

It may be difficult at first, but after using these suggestions, your body should adjust to the new time quickly.