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- DictionaryJet lag/ˈjet ˌlaɡ/
noun
- 1. extreme tiredness and other physical effects felt by a person after a long flight across several time zones: "she was suffering from jet lag and needed to rest"
noun
Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across several time zones.
Your body has its own internal clock, called circadian rhythms. They signal to your body when to stay awake and when to sleep.
Jet lag occurs because your body's internal clock is synced to your original time zone. It hasn't changed to the time zone of where you've traveled. The more time zones crossed, t...
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Symptoms of jet lag can vary. You may experience only one symptom or you may have many. Jet lag symptoms may include:
Jet lag can occur anytime you cross two or more time zones. Crossing multiple time zones puts your internal clock out of sync with the time in your new locale. Your internal clock, also called circadian rhythms, regulates your sleep-wake cycle.
For example, if you leave New York on a flight at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and arrive in Paris at 7 a.m. Wednesday, your internal clock still thinks it's 1 a.m. That means you're ready f...
Jet lag is temporary and usually doesn't need treatment. Symptoms often improve within a few days, though they sometimes last longer.
If you're a frequent traveler bothered by jet lag, your health care provider may prescribe light therapy or medicines.
Your body's internal clock is influenced by sunlight, among other factors. When you travel across time zones, your body must adjust to a new daylight schedule. This allows you to ...
A few basic steps may help prevent jet lag or reduce its effects:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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