Jet lag is the term used to describe the discomfort produced by rapid travel across multiple time zones, and tends to be more pronounced when traveling in an easterly direction. It results from disruption of the body's internal clock and produces symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, disturbed sleep, forgetfulness and poor appetite. The average traveler needs about one day to adjust for every two hours of time change. Like all disorders with no cure, there are many proposed remedies. Exposure to bright daylight is one of the ways you can help your body readjust its internal time clock naturally.

Melatonin is being studied to determine if it has an effect on resetting the internal time clock. In one study, travelers were given 5 mg of melatonin for three days prior to departure (at the time of day corresponding to nighttime in their destination city) and for three days after arrival, before going to bed. Although they seemed to "normalize" their sleep patterns in less time, it is too soon to determine if the treatment is safe and cost effective. Another problem is that melatonin can only be obtained in health food stores, whose supply is not regulated for potency, quality, or sterility.

Strategies for Reducing Jet Lag

Plan the journey to arrive at the new destination in the early evening, then go to bed on local time.

Upon boarding, reset your watch to the new destination time and try to adjust eating and sleeping accordingly.

If you are scheduled to arrive in the morning, try to sleep during the flight. If you are scheduled to arrive in the evening, try to stay awake during the flight.

Force your body to adjust to the new local time, as soon as possible, with activity, exercise and meal-time adjustments.

Dramamine®, the over-the-counter motion sickness drug, can be used as a safe sleeping aid and can be found and purchased worldwide.

Minimize your intake of alcohol and coffee.

Drink a lot of water. Airplane cabins are dry and dehydration accentuates jet lag.