Jet Lag Explained, if not Cured

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Ah, the pleasures of unfolding one’s body after an overnight, overseas flight marked by salty food, too much wine, a bad movie, and a seat that almost, sort of reclines. Suffice it to say it is not a pretty sight.

Here is a thoroughly scientific explanation of the origins of jet lag and the (unfortunate) lack of scientific proof that any of the supposed antidotes actually work from Leon Kreitzman in the New York Times:

“Crossing time zones in a jet plane decouples these rhythms from the natural day-night cycle. (Astronauts in orbit may see 16 dawns and dusks in 24 hours, so it is no wonder that sleeping tablets are the most frequently used medication in space.) On a long trip, the various rhythms fall out of sync and your stomach ends up over Peking, your liver somewhere near Delhi, while your heart is still in San Francisco. Metaphorically speaking, of course.”

Fellow Nomads, please pass the Ambien.

Heading east, I seem to have little trouble if I can get a daytime flight (generally to or through London). Overnight is just a recipe for disaster — even in a first-class flat bed. It just isn’t enough time to relax and sleep fully. I had to do it about a year ago in coach in the last row by the bathroom and counted the sleep in minutes, not hours, and was tempted to invoke the Geneva Convention. Once in Europe, I keep to my “home” schedule and I’m usually fine.

I’ve also done well on trips to Asia from the U.S.  as there is enough time to get into a full cycle and I only go if the ticket says “first class” so I know I’ll have room to stretch out. Coming home, however, involves at least a week of recalibration and I haven’t found any short cuts.

How about you? Do you have any jet lag experiences to share or remedies to recommend?