Jet Lag

Jet lag happens because your internal clock adjusts slowly, commonly cited as about a day per time zone. Symptoms include poor sleep, daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, and stomach upset. Flying east is usually harder than flying west, because it is easier to stay up later than to fall asleep earlier.

You can speed things up. Shift your sleep schedule toward the destination a few days before departure, get morning daylight after flying east and evening light after flying west, stay hydrated, limit alcohol and late-day caffeine, and keep naps short. Ask your doctor whether melatonin is appropriate for you.

Destination matters, too. Los Angeles to London crosses eight time zones, while Tahiti is only two or three hours behind California, depending on daylight saving time, so a trip to French Polynesia involves little jet lag. Plan your adjustment with our jet lag planner or read how to beat jet lag.