Causes and risk factors:
Jet lag syndrome is caused due to disturbances in the circadian rhythm of the body. Circadian cycle is the 24 hours biological cycle (body clock) of the body. It regulates the various daily activities of the body like sleep, waking up, eating habits and body temperature .A person travelling frequently at multiple time zones and flight professionals are more commonly suffer from jet lag syndrome. As an individual travels through areas with different time zones this body’s clock is disturbed giving rise to variety of symptoms. A lack of good fresh air in the jet along with the change in atmospheric pressure in the cabin at high altitudes and change in climatic conditions also contribute for development of symptoms. Consumption of stimulating substance like alcohol and stimulating substances like tea and coffee along with lack of exercise also contribute to the causation.
Clinical presentations:
A person suffering from jet lag suffers from complaints of headache, difficulty in sleep or excessive sleep. The person becomes easily fatigue and is becomes disoriented to the surrounding. Due to differences in the time zone the person finds difficulty in waking up and eating and bowel habits. As a result the appetite is disturbed. Gastric upsets leads to altered bowel movements -diarrhea and constipation and dehydration. This all leads to irritability. Difficulty in concentration and confusion are other symptoms with which the patient can come up with. All this reduces the work efficiency.
Diagnosis and investigations:
A detail history obtained from the patient and the attendant, suffering signs and symptoms will help in confirming the diagnosis. No investigations are required for diagnosing jet lag syndrome. The consultant can advised certain sets of investigations to detect if there persist any underlying pathology.
Treatment:
Jet lag syndrome does not require any treatment. If there persist any underlying pathology it needs to be corrected. Certain behavioral adjustments will help the person to overcome the complaints. It comprises of regular exercises, exposure to sunlight or bright light therapy has found to be effective. (This therapy consists of exposure to sunlight and bright artificial light which will help the body to reframe the body clock). Intake of stimulating products should be minimized. Melatonin supplements can be prescribed.
Other modes of treatment:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating jet lag syndrome. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
Facts and Figures:
As per the estimation by NASA it almost takes one day for every one hour time zone to get get back to the normal body cycle.
