When flying from one time zone to another, many travelers dread dealing with jet lag. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “jet lag results from the slow adjustment of the body clock to the destination time, so that daily rhythms and the internal drive for sleep and wakefulness are out of synchrony with the new environment.” Jet lag does not happen to everyone who flies—it becomes more of a problem when the traveler passes through three or more time zones.
How jet lag affects a person depends on where she travels to. The CDC notes that if a person is traveling to an eastern destination, she can have trouble falling asleep at night and waking up the next morning; the duration of the jet lag is two-thirds times the number of zones she traveled through. For example, if she goes through six time zones during her flight, her jet lag will last four days. If a person is traveling to a western destination, she will be sleepier sooner in the evening and wake up much earlier than usual; the duration of the jet lag is half of the number of zones she traveled through, according to the CDC. Therefore, if this traveler also goes through six time zones, but westward bound, her jet lag will last three days.
Because jet lag can be inconvenient, especially if the traveler has business obligations, there are certain measures that can reduce or prevent jet lag. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that changing your sleeping schedule a few days before traveling can help prevent sleeping problems. East bound travelers should go to bed earlier, while west bound travelers should go to bed later. If possible, travelers should adapt to their new time schedules before leaving. While flying, travelers should avoid alcohol and caffeine. If they exercise regularly, they should continue so while abroad. Another option is the supplement melatonin, which can help reset the circadian rhythm.
Now a new medication may be added to the list of jet lag prevention—Nuvigil. Manufactured by Cephalon, Nuvigil would keep the user awake, but does not help with regulating the internal body clock. The New York Times reports that Nuvigil is a modified version of an existing Cephalon medication, Provigil, which is a stimulant. Nuvigil is currently waiting for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, which has been pushed back to March 29, 2010.
Prospective users should note that Nuvigil is not inexpensive. According to the New York Times, each Nuvigil pill costs $9, and the company has patent protection up through 2024.
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Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch received her bachelor’s of science degree in neuroscience from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in May 2009. She is the Hartford Women's Health Examiner and she writes about abuse on Suite 101.