Jet Lag Health Article

Allopathic treatment

In cases of short-term insomnia triggered by jet lag, a physician may recommend sleeping pills or prescription medication. Such medication should be taken only under the guidance of a health care professional.

A newer medication that is considered investigational is a melatonin agonist presently known as LY 156735. An agonist is a drug that stimulates activity at cell receptors that are normally stimulated by such naturally occurring substances as melatonin. LY 156735 was found to speed up the readaptation time of volunteer subjects following a simulated 9-hour time shift.

Another new area of research involves the genes that encode the proteins governing circadian rhythms. It is known as of late 2002 that differences among individuals in adaptability to time zone changes are to some extent genetically determined. Targeting the genes that affect this adaptability may yield new treatments for jet lag and other disorders of circadian rhythm.

Expected results

Jet lag usually lasts 24–48 hours after travel has taken place. In that short time period, the body adjusts to the time change, and with enough rest and daytime exposure to sunlight, it returns to normal circadian rhythm.

Prevention

Eating a high-protein diet that is low in calories before intended travel may help reduce the effects of jet lag.

BOOKS

Czeisler, Charles A., and Gary S. Richardson. "Disorders of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, edited by Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Boulos, Z., M. M. Macchi, M. P. Sturchler, et al. " Light Visor Treatment for Jet Lag After Westward Travel Across Six Time Zones." Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 73 (October 2002): 953–963.

Garfinkel D. and N. Zisapel. "The Use of Melatonin for Sleep." Nutrition 14 (January 1998): 53–55.

"Jet Lag Sunglasses Help Body Clock Tick." Optician (August 2, 2002): 1.

Monson, Nancy. "What Really Works for Jet Lag." Shape (August 2002): 78.

Nickelsen, T., A. Samel, M. Vejvoda, et al. "Chronobiotic Effects of the Melatonin Agonist LY 156735 Following a Simulated 9h Time Shift: Results of a Placebo-Controlled Trial. " Chronobiology International 19 (September 2002): 915–936.

Parry, B. L. " Jet Lag: Minimizing Its Effects with Critically Timed Bright Light and Melatonin Administration." Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology 4 (September 2002): 463–466.

Rogers, H. L., and S. M. Reilly. " A Survey of the Health Experiences of International Business Travelers. Part One—Physiological Aspects." Journal of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses 50 (October 2002): 449–459.

Wisor, J. P. "Disorders of the Circadian Clock: Etiology and Possible Therapeutic Targets." Current Drug Targets: Cns and Neurological Disorders 1 (December 2002): 555–566.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Sleep Disorders Association. 1610 14th Street NW, Suite 300. Rochester, MN 55901. (507) 287-6006.

National Sleep Foundation. 1367 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 200. Washington, DC 20036. (202) 785-2300.

Paula Ford-Martin

Rebecca J. Frey, PhD