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Jet lag FAQs

Is jet lag real?

Jet lag is real. And it has lots of scientific and anecdotal evidence on its side. Despite this, some people still believe it’s just a touch of tiredness felt after travelling.

Jet lag is a disruption to the body clock, caused by rapid travel across multiple time zones. Basically, when you land after a long-distance flight, your body clock is still set to the departure time and is out of sync with the destination time (it’s light outside but your body clock thinks it should be dark and vice versa).

How long does it take to get over jet lag?

How long jet lag lasts depends on the time zones crossed and the direction travelled.

For a short flight, the symptoms could last a couple of days. But for longer flights, problems can stay for up to a fortnight. Also, jet lag tends to last longer following eastward flights (see next FAQ).    

That's why you should always use the Jet Lag Calculator, as it can shorten any symptoms felt at the start of your holiday. The algorithm will work out an easy-to-use plan that gives you a small change to make three days ahead of flying and simple steps to follow after your arrival.

Jet lag is worse in which direction?

Jet lag is worse for travellers heading east. The reason is …

Your body clock runs slightly longer than 24 hours and needs to be reset on a daily basis or else it will fall out of sync with its natural rhythm. Fortunately, morning sunlight resets your body clock.

Westward travel adds hours to your day, so adjusting to a new time is in keeping with your body clock’s natural tendency to lengthen. You are giving your body the extra time it wants.

Going east is when the trouble happens. Essentially, you’re taking hours away from your day. While your body clock naturally wants to run longer, it is forced to shorten even more than usual by the hours lost when travelling east.

Can jet lag make you feel dizzy or sick?

Jet lag has many symptoms. Some should only occur if you cross more than five time zones. But yes, jet lag can make you feel dizzy and sick.

Here's a list of jet lag symptoms:

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Dizziness or impaired judgement
  • Mild nausea

Does jet lag get worse with age?

Jet lag can affect anyone. But it is more common in people over 60 years old.