Clinical picture and treatment of jet lag

Abstract

Symptoms associated with rapid time zone crosses represent one of the major health problems associated with commercial flights. This condition is termed jet lag that is characterized by sleep disturbances (insomnia, sleepiness), somatic symptoms, and decrease in mental and physical outputs. Difference between the light-darkness cycles of the destination and internal homeostatic rhythm is responsible for the syndrome. Restitution of the internal rhythm by appropriate light exposure or melatonin, optimal sleep time and duration, and drugs can be used in its treatment. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 2021–2024.