II. Physiology

  1. Equilibration requires 12-24 hour per time zone crossed
  2. Jet Lag is more pronounced on eastward travel than westward travel

III. Prevention

  1. Indications
    1. Travel >3 days spent at destination AND
    2. Flights >8 hours or several time zones crossed
  2. Basic measures
    1. Start shifting sleep scheduled toward direction of travel a few days before the trip
      1. Optimize sleep before travel
      2. Coordinate extended sleep during flight to destination
      3. Match sleep to destination time zone
    2. Stay hydrated on flight
    3. Avoid Alcohol
    4. Adjust meals to arrival time zone
    5. After arrival at destination, follow local time for sleep and meals
    6. Maximize natural light exposure during day
      1. Time light exposure to match destination time zone
    7. Melatonin 3-5 mg at local bedtime for 3 days after arrival
    8. Although Caffeine can be useful, Exercise caution as it can also lead to difficult sleep
    9. Avoid OTC Jet Lag aids ("No Jet Lag") due to no proven efficacy
  3. Avoid prescription medications
    1. Avoid daytime stimulants (e.g. Modafinil)
    2. Avoid Sleep medication day of travel and for 2-3 days after (NOT recommended)
      1. Avoid Ambien
      2. Avoid Short acting Benzodiazepine

IV. References

  1. (2021) Presc Lett 28(7): 40-1

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Related Studies

Ontology: Jet Lag Syndrome (C0231311)

Definition (MSHCZE) Jet lag – (angl.) obtíže vznikající při rychlém přechodu časových pásem (zejm. při mezikontinentálních letech). Projevuje se spavostí ve dne, nespavostí v noci, nevýkonností, rozmrzelostí aj. K jejich odstranění lze podat hormon epifýzy melatonin. (cit. Velký lékařský slovník online, 2013 http://lekarske.slovniky.cz/ )
Definition (NCI) A subtype of circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which the individual exhibits an endogenous pattern of sleep and wakefulness that comes into conflict with the pattern of sleep and wakefulness required by a new time zone.
Definition (MSH) A chronobiologic disorder resulting from rapid travel across a number of time zones, characterized by insomnia or hypersomnolence, fatigue, behavioral symptoms, headaches, and gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Cooper, Sleep, 1994, pp593-8)
Concepts Disease or Syndrome (T047)
MSH D020179
ICD9 327.35
ICD10 G47.25
SnomedCT 69319003, 387604006
Dutch jetlag, Jetlag, Tijdzoneveranderingssyndroom
French Décalage horaire, Syndrome de jet-lag, Syndrome du décalage horaire, Vols transméridiens
German Jet lag, Jet-lag Syndrom, Syndrom des Zeitzonenwechsels, Zirkadianes Dysrhythmie-Syndrom, Zirkadiane Dysrhythmiestörung
Italian Sindrome da squilibrio circadiano, Sindrome del fuso orario, Sindrome da jet lag
Portuguese Diferença de fusos horários, Síndrome da Desambientação Horária, Síndrome de Jet Lag, Síndrome da Travessia de Zonas de Fuso Horário, Síndrome de Jet, Síndrome do Fuso Horário, Síndrome da Mudança de Fuso Horário, Síndrome do Jet Lag
Spanish Síndrome transoceánico, síndrome del cambio de huso horario, desfase horario, síndrome del cambio de huso horario (hallazgo), alteración del ritmo circadiano, jet lag, síndrome de desajuste horario (hallazgo), síndrome de desajuste horario, Síndrome del Cambio de Zona Horaria, Síndrome Jet Lag
Swedish Jetlag
Japanese ジサボケ, 時差症候群, 時差ぼけ, 時差ボケ, 脱同期症候群
Czech jet lag syndrom, syndrom ze změny časového pásma, Pásmová nemoc
Finnish Aikaerorasitus
Russian VREMENNYKH ZON BYSTROGO PERESECHENIIA SINDROM, ВРЕМЕННЫХ ЗОН БЫСТРОГО ПЕРЕСЕЧЕНИЯ СИНДРОМ
English Jet Lag Syndrome, Time Zone Change Syndrome, Jet Lag Syndromes, Time Zone Syndrome, Time Zone Syndromes, Circadian rhythm-jetlag, Jet Lag Syndrome [Disease/Finding], jet lag, Jetlag, time zone change syndrome, jetlag, Jet Lag Type Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder, organic circadian rhythm sleep disorder jet lag type, organic circadian rhythm sleep disorder, jet lag type, jet lag syndrome, nonorganic circadian rhythm sleep disorder, jet lag type (diagnosis), nonorganic circadian rhythm sleep disorder, jet lag type, organic circadian rhythm sleep disorder, jet lag type (diagnosis), Jet Lag, Jet lag - disorder, Time zone syndrome (finding), sleep disorder circadian rhythm, jet lag type, Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, jet lag type, Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, jet lag type (diagnosis), Jet lag, Time zone syndrome, Jet lag syndrome, Jet lag (finding)
Polish Zespół zmiany strefy czasu, Zespół nagłej zmiany strefy czasu, Zespół zmęczenia wskutek zmiany czasu
Hungarian Jet lag
Norwegian Jetlag