WHAT CAUSES JET LAG AND HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED AND CURED?

Jet lag, or desynchronosis, is a condition that’s caused by  crossing time zones during air travel. It is said to be a symptom of the disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms—i.e.,  the day/night, light/dark cycle, which controls the timing of  bodily functions such as when you sleep and eat.  Other contributing factors to jet lag are the dry atmosphere of planes and the lack of fresh air; the discomfort  caused by cramped conditions; swelling caused by cabin  pressure; the food and drink consumed in transit; and the  direction of travel.
Northl south travel doesn’t result in jet lag  because the time Zone remains the same, while some suggest  that flying east results in the worst jet lag, as it accelerates  the passage through the time zones and that, because time  is “lost,” there is less time to “absorb” (the human body is  more adept at compensating for enduring longer days than  shorter ones). Others maintain that jet lag is greater when  traveling away from your normal time zone than toward it.  The symptoms of jet lag are irregular sleep patterns and  insomnia, fatigue, confusion and disorientation, irritability,  headaches, nausea, dehydration and a loss of appetite. It’s  estimated that one day of recovery time is needed for every  one-hour time zone crossed.  The eflects of jet lag can be reduced in various ways.  For example, before a flight you should be well rested and  relaxed Plenty of exercise before a flight can help, too, and  no alcohol should be consumed beforehand, though some  medical professionals suggest the taking of certain drugs  and hormonal supplements.  To reduce the eflfects of jet lag while in the air, drink  plenty of water and avoid alcohol (it’s thought that the effects  of alcohol are more pronounced at high altitudes) and caffeine-based drinks. Get as much exercise as possible by  stretching in your seat or walking about the plane. Remove  your shoes and get comfortable. Adjusting your watch to the  new time zone can also be psychologically beneficial.  Once you’re on the ground, take a shower to get your  blood moving, drink plenty of water and try to adapt to the  environment of the new time zone as quickly as possible.  Maximizing your exposure to the sun can help you to adjust  to your new environment, so you shouldn’t sleep upon  arrival; instead, wait until night.