Jet lag is a common problem experienced by many people when they travel across time zones. It occurs when your internal biological time, controlled by your circadian rhythms, is out of sync with the local time. This can cause a range of problems, including disturbed sleep, daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and digestive problems.
According to Dr. Nina Rzechorzek, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, the direction of travel also makes a difference. Travelling east is often harder because most people find it easier to shift their clock later than earlier.
So, what can you do to mitigate jet lag? Dr. Tatiana Wilson, a circadian researcher at Newnham College, Cambridge University, recommends using light, food, and exercise to set your clock. For example, light in the morning sets your clock earlier, while light in the evening makes you stay awake later. Exercise and eating during the day can also help reinforce your new time zone.