Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

Zavis

I hate jet lag: what should I know?

How the structures involved in Jet Lag differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Jet Lag differ from normal

Short answer

Jet lag is a temporary mismatch between your body clock and local time, and a planned routine can ease the adjustment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main cause
Your body clock remains on the previous time zone
Support adjustment
Follow local light, meals, and sleep times
Safety
Avoid driving when very sleepy

What it may mean

Crossing time zones shifts the schedule your brain uses for sleep, wakefulness, meals, and hormone release. You may notice [Difficulty Sleeping](/symptoms/difficulty-sleeping/), early waking, [Daytime Sleepiness](/symptoms/daytime-sleepiness/), reduced concentration, mood changes, appetite changes, or a [Headache](/symptoms/headache/). Symptoms can feel stronger after several time-zone changes, overnight travel, or when you are already sleep-deprived. Jet lag is different from ongoing [Insomnia](/conditions/insomnia/); symptoms that continue well after travel deserve assessment.

What to do now

Use the destination's local clock for meals, light exposure, and bedtime soon after arrival. Seek daylight at a useful time for the new schedule, keep naps short and early, and make the bedroom dark and quiet at night. Drink water, eat lightly if your stomach feels unsettled, and avoid alcohol near bedtime. Gentle movement can help alertness. For a tailored plan, discuss [Insomnia Management](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/insomnia-management/) or a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) before a demanding trip.

When to seek care

Arrange medical advice if sleep disruption or daytime fatigue persists after your body has had time to adjust, repeatedly affects work or driving, or occurs with loud snoring, breathing pauses, severe mood change, or unusual confusion. Do not drive or make safety-critical decisions when very sleepy. Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or sudden neurological symptoms.

Questions for your doctor

Ask how to time light and sleep for your route, whether a medicine is appropriate, how to protect alertness during travel, and whether another sleep condition could explain persistent symptoms.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

How can I adjust after a flight?

Adopt local timing for sleep, meals, and daylight, while keeping naps brief so nighttime sleep remains possible.

When is jet lag more than jet lag?

Persistent or severe symptoms, breathing pauses during sleep, or unsafe daytime sleepiness warrant a clinical assessment.

Related

Related reading

Keep reading

More on this

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.