Effects of Jet Lag – How Luminette can help

Everyone who has travelled across a few time zones have experienced jet lag – the extreme tiredness and sleepiness at odd hours. Jet lag occurs when the body’s internal clock is out of sync with the current time zone. With the advent of jet airplanes, travel across different continents have become fast, easy and convenient, but our own body strains to cope with the effect of crossing several time zones so rapidly and our regular pattern of sleep and wakefulness is disrupted. This is because our body’s internal clock is disrupted – the internal biological clock takes cues from the external environment to tell the body when to sleep and when to wake up.

Jet lag, also known as desynchronosis, is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when your internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, is out of sync with the local time at your travel destination. This misalignment often happens when you travel quickly across multiple time zones, such as on long-haul flights.

The primary cause of jet lag is the sudden shift in your sleep-wake cycle. For instance, if you fly from New York to Tokyo, there is a 13-hour time difference. Your body might think it’s still nighttime when it’s actually daytime in Tokyo. This discrepancy can make it challenging to fall asleep and wake up at the appropriate times.

Understanding jet lag is the first step in combating it. Knowing how it disrupts your body’s natural processes helps you appreciate the need for effective solutions like Luminette.

Several factors contribute to the onset and severity of jet lag. The primary cause is rapid travel across multiple time zones, which affects your body's internal clock. However, other factors can exacerbate the condition.

One significant factor is the direction of travel. Traveling eastward tends to cause more severe jet lag than traveling westward. This is because it’s generally easier for our bodies to prolong the day than to shorten it. Additionally, age and overall health can influence how susceptible you are to jet lag. Older adults may find it more challenging to adjust to new time zones.

Lastly, individual differences, such as genetic predisposition and sleep preferences, can also play a role. Some people may naturally adapt more quickly to new time zones, while others struggle more significantly.

Jet lag manifests in various ways, impacting both your physical and mental well-being. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the number of time zones crossed and individual susceptibility.

Sleep disturbances are perhaps the most noticeable symptom. You may find it hard to fall asleep at night and feel unusually drowsy during the day. This sleep disruption can lead to an overall sense of malaise, affecting your mood and cognitive performance.

In addition to sleep issues, some people experience digestive problems such as indigestion or constipation. These symptoms occur because your body’s digestive system is also regulated by your circadian rhythm, and a sudden change in time zones can throw it off balance.

In the short term, jet lag can significantly affect your daily life and overall well-being. Immediate symptoms include extreme fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive function. These effects can hinder your ability to enjoy your travel experience or perform well in business meetings.

Fatigue from jet lag often leads to decreased physical performance and alertness. Whether you’re sightseeing or attending a conference, the lack of energy can make these activities less enjoyable and productive. Moreover, the irritability and mood swings can strain interactions with fellow travelers or colleagues.

Cognitive impairments, such as memory lapses and difficulty concentrating, can also pose challenges. These issues can be particularly problematic for business travelers who need to be sharp and focused during critical meetings.

While jet lag is usually a temporary issue, frequent travelers can experience long-term consequences if they regularly suffer from disrupted circadian rhythms. Chronic jet lag can lead to sustained sleep deprivation, which has been linked to various health problems.

Long-term sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. It can also contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Additionally, persistent sleep issues can have a negative impact on mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.

For frequent flyers, the cumulative effect of repeated jet lag episodes can lead to a phenomenon known as "social jet lag." This condition involves a chronic mismatch between your internal clock and your social and professional obligations, resulting in ongoing fatigue and health issues.

Of all the external cues that synchronises your internal biological clock, the most powerful is light. That is why the internal circadian alerting system is at the strongest during daytime. The internal circadian alerting system is one of the main processes that regulates sleep patterns – it promotes wakefulness and thereby inhibits sleep. Due to jet lag, you may feel sleepy at odd hours, unable to concentrate or remember and decreased strength and efficiency. Researchers have found that people who suffer frequently from jet lag are more prone to diseases than people with normal sleep-wake cycles.

Jet lag is a serious problem with people who travel frequently and it may have a serious impact on their health later. But most of the frequent travellers have to travel for various reasons. For them, light therapy will help to counter the effects to jet lag quickly and effectively. Light therapy by Luminette has been proven to improve sleep and cognitive performances. Luminette also helps to reduce the state of tiredness and increases the energy levels, thereby negating the effects of jet lag.

So if you travel through different time zones frequently, Luminette can help you counter the effects of jet lag and help you regain control of your sleep cycle.

One of the most significant benefits of using Luminette is the improvement in sleep quality. By regulating your melatonin levels and aligning your internal clock with the local time, Luminette helps you fall asleep more easily and enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Better sleep quality translates to increased energy levels and overall well-being. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, being well-rested enhances your ability to make the most of your trip. You’ll be more alert, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day brings.

Many users report experiencing a noticeable difference in their sleep patterns after just a few days of using Luminette. This quick adjustment period can make a world of difference in how you feel during your travels.

Jet lag can take a toll on your mood and cognitive function, leading to irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Luminette’s light therapy helps mitigate these effects by boosting your body’s natural production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-being.

By improving your mood and cognitive function, Luminette enables you to be more productive and enjoy your travel experience to the fullest. Whether you’re attending meetings, exploring new destinations, or spending time with loved ones, you’ll feel more present and engaged.

The positive impact on your mood and mental clarity can also enhance your interactions with others, fostering better relationships and creating more memorable experiences.

One of the most challenging aspects of jet lag is the time it takes to adjust to a new time zone. Luminette accelerates this adjustment process, helping your body adapt more quickly to the local time. This means less time spent feeling groggy and disoriented and more time enjoying your journey.

Quick adjustment is particularly beneficial for short trips where you have limited time to acclimate. Instead of spending the first few days struggling with jet lag, you can hit the ground running and make the most of every moment.

For frequent travelers, the ability to adjust rapidly to new time zones can significantly enhance the overall travel experience. You’ll be better equipped to handle back-to-back trips and maintain optimal performance, no matter where your adventures take you.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact us on our Twitter (@luminettes).