Jet lag is the change in sleeping pattern or activity patterns experienced by travelers and business people, resulting in the inability to be highly alert and effective. This is largely due to rapid flight across different time zones, which results in the human body's internal time systems becoming out of sync with the external time cues, especially the daylight and night (day-night) cycles. Many travelers, especially those who fly often for international business travel, experience this disruption of the sleep cycle for a short period of time. There are also some individuals who experience frequent changes in their sleeping patterns, such as those who shift from one time zone to another.
Jet lag is usually temporary and only occurs for a couple of days or weeks at the most
However, if the traveler is unable to adjust to his or her new sleeping and waking times, it can result in an ongoing, cumulative effect that leads to further sleep disruptions, especially if the individual is not able to adjust to a new schedule once the initial "honeymoon" period of adjustment has passed. This, in turn, causes the traveler to feel even more like he or she is "on another planet," and can lead to depression, frustration, and even frustration with his or her job or personal life.
Jet lag can also interfere with normal daily activities and relationships. Some people become so preoccupied with trying to fit into their new schedules, that they may feel like they are losing contact with friends and family. It can also affect relationships between colleagues and co-workers and cause them to see each other as distant, unfriendly strangers. The individual may also be less productive at work due to the constant interruption caused by jet lag, affecting his or her productivity and ability to be efficient.
In terms of health care professionals, jet lag can negatively impact the quality of patient care. Because medical practitioners spend many hours on airplanes during their travels, the disruption of patient care is a major concern for medical staff and medical administrators.
Jet lag can also have an effect on mental health and lead to emotional disturbances and mental disorders in some individuals. Because the person is constantly on edge, feeling "on top of their game," a person experiencing this state may tend to take more risks when under pressure, leading to mental lapses and behavioral issues that can negatively affect both themselves and their patients.
Others the effects of jet lag include weight gain that can negatively impact the health and well-being of individuals and families. If someone is trying to lose weight or gain a few pounds for fitness or weight loss purposes, jet lag can lead to many problems as the person is forced to eat more calories than they used to.
Changing time zones can also affect a person's performance. Because the person is always on the go, they are more prone to mistakes and mistakes, which can lead to poor grades or reduced productivity in school.
As we all know, jet lag can also contribute to a number of sleep disorders, including sleep disorders associated with insomnia. It can also be a co-factor for those suffering from panic attacks.
People who travel a lot for business and pleasure should understand that jet lag need not be felt immediately
Reactive lag can usually be overcome simply by learning to recognize the symptoms and then taking steps to reduce or eliminate them.
The first step is to understand what the symptoms are and how they will affect you. You will need to know how you will feel, what your symptoms might be, and how long they will last. It is a good idea to keep a diary of your symptoms and how you feel during the various phases of jet lag so that you always have a note of your feelings at hand.
Next, find a good program to help manage the symptoms of jet lag. There are many products available, as there are numerous companies devoted to treating the symptoms of jet lag, but finding one that works best for you will depend on your own individual situation. Once you have determined a program to help ease the symptoms of jet lag, you will need to work diligently to overcome them.