The pathophysiology of jet lag

Feb 25, 2009Travel medicine and infectious disease

How jet lag affects the body's internal clock and functions

AI simplified

Abstract

Jet Lag Disorder (JLD) is associated with circadian misalignment following rapid transmeridian jet travel.

  • JLD is characterized by insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sometimes general malaise.
  • Circadian misalignment occurs when the internal biological clock cannot keep pace with new time zones.
  • Light exposure and melatonin secretion play crucial roles in regulating circadian timing.
  • Timed light exposure and melatonin administration may help accelerate circadian realignment.
  • Other factors contributing to jet lag include travel-related sleep deprivation and fatigue.
  • Clinical trials have explored circadian rhythm-based interventions for treating JLD.

AI simplified

Full Text

Full text is available at the source.

what lands in your inbox each week:

  • 📚7 fresh studies
  • 📝plain-language summaries
  • direct links to original studies
  • 🏅top journal indicators
  • 📅weekly delivery
  • 🧘‍♂️always free