Jet lag Health Dictionary

Symptoms: lethargy, disorientation, clinical depression and tiredness associated with long-haul flights. Treatment. Herbs for pushing forward (or back) the internal clock so that biological time accords with chronological time: Ginseng, Garlic, Gotu Kola, Kola, Capsicum. These may be supported by a good multivitamin capsule. Ginseng is a melatonin stimulant. Treat transient hypothyroidism.

Topical. Inhalant: aromatherapy oil – Rosemary.

Diet. Day before ‘take-off’ should be a ‘feast’ day, but the day of departure should be a ‘fast’ day. Coffee, tea and other caffeine-containing beverages should be taken only in the evenings of ‘fast’ days when going east, and in the mornings going west. Circadian disturbance is more easily adjusted on ‘fast’ days. This regime assists the production of melatonin, a natural hormone of the pineal gland which manipulates the body’s response to the light/dark cycle. Avoid alcohol.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B6 10mg; Vitamin C 2g; Vitamin E 400iu. Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc.

Note: On day of departure change watch to the time at your destination. During the flight eat only if it is daytime there. Take plenty of fluids. On arrival the body clock is already adjusted to local time – go to bed. 

Jet-lag provokes daytime sleepiness and insomnia at night.

Other symptoms include reduced physical and mental activity, and poor memory.

Jet-lag tends to be worse after an eastward flight (which shortens the traveller’s day) than after a westward one.

Treatment with the pituitary hormone melatonin is claimed by some to reduce the severity of jet-lag.