What Jet Lag Means in English

Your sleep-wake rhythm is guided by light, routine and signals from the environment. After a long flight, those signals may not match the time at your destination. You may have difficulty sleeping at night, wake earlier than planned, feel sleepy during the day, or notice headache, poor concentration, irritability or appetite changes. Jet lag is different from ordinary tiredness because the timing of sleep is shifted.

Use local time for meals, daylight and bedtime soon after arrival. Get outdoor light at a suitable local time, keep naps short if they make night sleep harder, and avoid driving when very sleepy. Drink regularly during travel and keep caffeine away from the planned bedtime. If symptoms continue after travel or sleep remains difficult, a travel health consultation or insomnia management review can help tailor advice, including any medicine considerations.

Seek medical advice if sleep disruption is severe, lasts well beyond your return to a normal routine, or repeatedly prevents work, study or safe travel. Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness or a sudden neurological symptom; these are not typical jet lag features.

Ask how to time light exposure, naps and any prescribed or over-the-counter sleep aid for your itinerary and health history.