JET LAG
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: November 25, 2022
- January 21, 2019
- Insomnia, Sleep & Health, Sleep & Lifestyle, Sleep & Travel

Table of Contents
Jet lag occurs when you quickly travel across two or more time zones. This long-distance travel causes your body to have trouble adjusting to a new schedule. You may feel sleepy during the day and have insomnia at night. Jet lag also can cause you to have trouble functioning. You may feel fatigued and struggle to concentrate.
KEY POINTS
Jet lag can cause you to have trouble sleeping at night after a long trip.
Jet lag affects some people more than others.
It also can cause you to feel sleepy or fatigued during the day.
There are several strategies to help you reduce jet lag symptoms.
Am I at Risk ?
GENERAL OVERVIEW
TREATMENTS
There are several strategies that may help reduce jet lag symptoms. A sleep doctor can determine if any of these options are right for you:
Keeping your home schedule:
Using bright light
Adjusting your sleep schedule
Taking melatonin
Taking a sleeping pill
Consuming caffeine
Tips
Get plenty of sleep during the nights before your trip.
Avoid alcohol during your flight.
After arrival try to spend time outside during daylight hours.
Exercise daily before and after your trip.
Next Steps
- Make it a priority to sleep 7 or more hours nightly.
- Maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule.
- Talk to your doctor about any ongoing sleep problems.
- Talk to a sleep doctor at an accredited sleep center if you need help preparing for a long trip.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: CONTENT DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
