Causes of Jet lag

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When you cross time zones, you arrive hours ahead or behind the time in the country you fly from. The body has to adjust to new times of light, darkness and meals and often to differences in temperature.

The problem is worse when travelling east because the body is better able to adapt to a slightly longer day than a slightly shorter one. So, your body adapts better when travelling west because you are extending your day, rather than travelling east, when you are shortening it. In other words, it is easier to delay sleep for a few hours than force yourself to sleep when you are not ready.

The effects of jet lag can be intensified by dehydration, tiredness, lack of sleep, lack of oxygen in the aeroplane cabin, alcohol and stress. Those people who have a very strict routine tend to suffer most from jet lag. This is why children and babies, who can sleep almost anytime, rarely show symptoms of jet lag.