What is Jet Lag? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments!

If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you’ve likely experienced jet lag, a temporary sleep disorder in which the body’s internal clock falls out of sync with its surroundings. It’s a disorienting sensation that can take several days to shake, especially if you don’t know how to treat it.

0:30 What Is Jet Lag?
2:25 What Are The Symptoms Of Jet Lag?
3:25 Jet Lag Treatments
4:25 What Is The Feeling Of Jet Lag?
4:45 How Do You Get Rid Of Jet Lag Fast?
5:20 How Long Does It Take To Recover From Jet Lag?
5:50 Why Is Jet Lag Worse From East To West?

In this guide, I’m going to give you the full skinny on jet lag, from what it is, what its symptoms are, how to cure it, and much, much more. So, buckle up and get ready to take off into the dizzying world of jet lag.

Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t taken as medical advice, and it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice and supervision from a trained professional. If you feel you may be suffering from any sleep disorder or medical condition, please see your healthcare provider immediately.

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[powskiproductions]

I got back home from the Philippines three days ago and I am suffering with jetlagged tremendously. The weird thing is, I will sleep for two hours, wake up very briefly, sleep another two hours, wake up briefly, sleep another two hours, and then before I know it when it’s morning, I would think I should feel well rested. Because during the times I was sleeping, it was deep sleep. But I feel so damn tired all day. Also, right now it’s 4 o’clock and it literally feels like nine. And it’s actually 5 AM in the Philippines right now, so I don’t think it has to do with me being used to Philippines time. I’ve just been up since 3 AM and I have felt exhausted ever since then. Like, I didn’t wake up at 3 AM and say “it’s great to be alive today, let’s start the day!” No, I have felt miserable since the moment I woke up. Also, I’ve done international traveling before in Europe. Never suffered Jetlag this bad

[coleenosmond]

I learned so much watching this video. I never knew there was so much to jet lag. I guess im glad ive never had to fly anywhere let alone across time zones or different countries it sounds horrible and now i have a greater appreciation for anyone that has suffered with it. Good thing it doesnt last too long

[sethkarim]

I had no idea how much jet lag effects people. Good to know to stay hydrated and to eat something. I suffer from insomnia so i know how it feels to be groggy. Very helpful and informative👍

[coffeeandcommunity]

I had no idea that stomach issues were associated with jet lag, that definitely explains some things!

[mellofello]

I work early mornings and flying across the world to my family which is exactly 12 hours in front of me is always fun! I always try to make it to at least 9pm.

[flynnaz]

Cody, you are so helpful, thank you, I wondered why I experienced some of these issues when flying, know I know! :)

[ABellyFullOfTea]

So it's basically what anyone working a night shift feels like when they swap to a daytime schedule. You're tired but it's bright and you've already had a full day's worth of time awake.

[buneface]

Our worst jet lag happened when we went to Hawaii. It really took us about 2 days to catch up with ourselves. Should have had more water to drink on the plane as opposed to having a cocktail (or two) LOL! Thanks for the tips on how to deal with it.

[serkjen]

These are really great tips. Personally, I find that hydration is key. I like the idea of getting used to the new schedule a few days before travelling.

[issybella]

I have flown a fair amount and personally, l think " jet lag" is over used, some people like to use the term to let others know they've taken a long trip.

The term "Jet lag" actually started in the late 50s early 60s when flight crews, flight attendants were working long hours crossing different time zones without much of a layover, where tiredness and their circadian rhythm was thrown off, and is what happens when you have a layover of less than 24hrs.

The last long trip l took in November of 2018 - taking me from Toronto to Iceland, Norway and finally Alaska which 10 hrs back, and with no sleep the night before, but l certainly did not have Jet lag; as soon as I got to Alaska l went to bed got up the next morning and was fine. I have a trip arranged for November of this year, hopefully - however as with any long trip, you should get sleep a couple of days before, but let's not make something out of nothing.

[samm-coiz]

I have had a mild case of jet lag before and the trip was only 4 days 3 nights. so by the time i got over it i was going back home. I did go to sleep at the same time everyone else did and woke up when they did to. It felt like a dream almost. Thats what jet lag felt like to me. Like I was there but my soul wasnt yet if that makes any sense.

[uncleted]

First time flying international. Left from Africa to Brussels to Montreal To Toronto and it’s been almost 3 days and I still can’t sleep. I’m going insane!!!

[sperit]

Im jetlag now that's what brought me to this video. I just traveled from NJ to Greece and the difference is 7 hours ahead. Im so tired and this is day 3 of feeling like this. I wake up extremely early morning and during the day im tired. Im hoping this will end soon.

[carriemel]

LOL - I haven't travelled far enough away to experience jet lag, but can you get without travelling far away/ Because I'm pretty sure I've felt some of the symptoms hahaha.

[sefgrt]

I suffer jet lag much worse when I go forward and back only 3-4 hours. The longer ones don’t affect me as much.

[Lol]

Me experiencing Jet lag:
Travels on an 8 hour flight towards east, awake the entire time.
5 hour layover, fell asleep on final 3 hour flight.
The time when humans actually lag.

[Brighteyedwoman]

Jet lag is why when I went to see my mom in Norway, she didn't plan anything on the first day or two. And when coming home, we'd take a day or two off.

[simsbuilder]

i get dizziness too but litrelly i travelled from california to the UK yesterday and boy do i feel like have not slept for a week

[sachs]

I experience jet lag EVERY TIME I travel internationally (I also suffer mildly when I fly between the west coast and the east coast). My biggest problem is that I just cannot sleep during the flights - I tried a travel pillow, eat plugs, all sorts, nothing has worked so far. When I arrive at the destination, I just cannot have "short" sleep, in other words, I sleep as long as possible because I just cannot focus on anything. And it leads to a bad cycle/rhythm. It takes days for me to adjust. I noticed that my symptoms are much worse when I fly to Asia vs to Europe. Thank you for the good tips! I did not think about eating even when I am not hungry in order to adjust. I will try that next time.