Contents:
- Medical Video: 13 Misconceptions About Global Warming
- What is jet lag?
- How can jet lag occur?
- Myth or fact: Don't eat before you arrive at your destination
- Myth or fact: Jetlag is caused by lack of sleep
- Myth or fact: Jet lag will only make you feel tired
- Myth or fact: Order a night flight to avoid jet lag
- Myth or fact: Don't take a nap to avoid jet lag
- Myth or fact: Jet lag can be avoided
Medical Video: 13 Misconceptions About Global Warming
Jet lag is a "friend" that is not missed for those of you who like to travel around the world. However, does jet lag really exist and is not just a suggestion?
What is jet lag?
Jetlag is a temporary sleep problem that occurs after you have made long flights across several different time zones. Jet lag makes your body's biological clock have to adapt to changing times. The more time zones you pass, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.
How can jet lag occur?
In general, biological clocks play a role in moving the circadian rhythm to control the body's systems, from blood pressure, hunger, to your sleep schedule.
The body's biological clock is controlled by the sleepy hormone melatonin, which is produced when it gets dark to control body temperature while you sleep. When you fly to a different time zone, the biological clock is overhauled to adapt to the new environment so that it becomes out of sync with your habit routine. Everyone will need several days to adjust to different time zones, depending on the many time zones passed and the direction of his journey.
Unfortunately, the ignorance of many people creates misunderstandings about jet lag. Therefore, here are some myths about jetlag that you need to know.
Myth or fact: Don't eat before you arrive at your destination
Myth. There are some people who believe that to avoid jetlag, you should avoid maximum daily meals on the night before departure or do not eat at all before arriving at your destination. The reason, you will force the body into the fasting phase. The problem is, even though it can help you sleep faster on a flight, it can be a big problem when you arrive at your destination, especially on east-west flights.
Did you know that recovering from jet lag after a long flight to the east will be more difficult than to the west? This is because traveling to the east causes time to pass faster, making the adaptation process more difficult.
Meals before departure may be foods that are healthy and not excessive. As much as possible do not skip meals, because this will have an impact on your health and recovery of jet lag later.
Myth or fact: Jetlag is caused by lack of sleep
Right. The main cause of jet lag is due to lack of sleep. Some other things that can be the cause of jet lag are cabin pressure, lack of fresh air in the plane, lack of fluid and food intake, and your physical condition from the beginning is less fit. One thing that is certain to be the cause of jet lag is that you cross different time zones that disrupt your body's biological clock.
Myth or fact: Jet lag will only make you feel tired
Myth. Jet lag doesn't just make you feel tired because of a different time zone. Other symptoms that may arise due to jet lag can vary, including excessive drowsiness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, diarrhea, mood swings, etc. These symptoms can last one or two days - and will tend to be worse if you travel east.
Myth or fact: Order a night flight to avoid jet lag
Myth. If you want to avoid jet lag, one of the easiest ways you can do is order daytime flight, not at night. When you book a flight during the day, you can sleep several hours before landing. When you land, you are also more able to adjust to the time in a new place.
Myth or fact: Don't take a nap to avoid jet lag
Right. When you experience jet lag, it's a good idea to avoid taking a nap. But whatever the circumstances, you still need a nap. So it's okay to take a nap in the afternoon, as long as it's not more than two hours.
Myth or fact: Jet lag can be avoided
Myth. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid jetlag. Jetlag is a condition that approaches you unpredictably. However, even though you cannot avoid it, you can still minimize your suffering due to jetlag in various ways; drink enough water, get enough rest, get enough exercise, and stay calm while flying.
If the symptoms of jet lag occur continuously in the long run every time it arrives after a long flight, it's a good idea to consult your doctor as soon as you return to the country.
