Most people find that jet lag is worse when traveling east than it is when traveling west
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. Jet lag differs based on the direction of travel because it’s generally easier to delay your internal clock than advance it.
Which is worse flying east or west?
Experienced air travelers know that
flying east across time zones is harder than flying west
, because traveling east shortens the days while traveling west lengthens them. It means your circadian rhythm needs to do more to catch up.
How long does jet lag last East to West?
If you’re traveling east to west, from Rome to San Francisco, jet lag could last
four to five days
— about half the number of time zones crossed. Jet lag is generally worse when you “lose time” traveling west to east.
Is traveling east worse for jet lag?
Most people find that jet lag is worse when traveling east than it is when traveling west
13
. Jet lag differs based on the direction of travel because it’s generally easier to delay your internal clock than advance it. Jet lag does not occur on north-south flights that do not cross multiple time zones.
Why is jet lag worse east to west?
A study published in 2016 crunched the numbers on why travelling east is worse for jet lag. In short,
your body’s natural rhythm follows a 24.5-hour day, slightly longer than the standard 24-hour sun-up, sun-down rhythm
. That means that if you’re travelling east over many timezones, you’ll ‘lose’ additional time.
Why is it easier to fly West than East?
“This is all because
the body’s internal clock has a natural period of slightly longer than 24 hours
, which means that it has an easier time traveling west and lengthening the day than traveling east and shortening the day,” Dr. Girvan said.
How do you deal with jet lag in the West?
- Adapt quickly to your new time zone. When you arrive at your destination, try to forget your old time zone as quickly as possible. …
- Manage sleep time. …
- Drink water. …
- Try light. …
- Drink a caffeinated beverage. …
- Keep your sleeping space comfortable. …
- Try melatonin. …
- Use medications.
How long does it take to get over 12 hour jet lag?
These include how far you traveled, your body’s unique rhythms and your overall health. Many people who experience jet lag feel better a few days after arriving to their destination. For some people, it can take
up to one week
to feel fully back to themselves.
How do you fight jet lag in the East?
- Start adjusting light exposure before your trip to decrease the length of time you will feel jet lagged. …
- Consider taking melatonin supplements if you’re traveling east. …
- Time your flight. …
- Try to sleep during your flight. …
- Avoid short layovers in extra time zones if you can.
Do you lose time flying east?
We can make this more precise by saying that
as you travel East you will gain time
, and as you travel west you will lose time. The exact amount depends on how many Time Zones you travel through. The figure above shows the Time Zones across North America.
Why don t we fly over the Pacific Ocean?
Flying over the Pacific Ocean is avoided by most airlines for most flights because
it usually doesn’t make sense to fly over it when shorter and safer routes exist
. The Pacific Ocean is also more remote and less safe than the Indian and Atlantic Oceans to fly over, resulting in a higher chance of a plane crashing.
Can you get jet lag from a 3 hour flight?
Travel across three or more time zones: Most people can adjust rapidly to a one or two time zone change.
Three or more may cause more noticeable symptoms of jet lag
. Flying east: As stated previously, travel from west to east causes travelers to “lose” time, and this can be a more difficult adjustment.
How do you sleep with jet lag?
During the flight, drink plenty of fluids, but not caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol promote dehydration, which worsens the symptoms of jet lag. They can also disturb sleep.
Switch your bedtime as rapidly as possible upon arrival
.
Do jet lag pills work?
Sleeping pills don’t appear to help with the daytime symptoms of jet lag, but they can improve sleep
. Potential side effects include headache, sleepwalking, confusion, nausea, and morning sleepiness. Make sure you have enough time. Only take a sleeping pill if you have at least six hours to rest.
How do I prepare for 12 hour jet lag?
- 1 Adjust your schedule to your new time zone.
- 2 Nap for 30 minutes or less.
- 3 Get plenty of afternoon sunlight if you traveled east.
- 4 Stay inside during the late afternoon if you headed west.
- 5 Take melatonin to help realign your sleep schedule.
