What should you know about severe jet lag treatment?

The aim is to move the body clock towards the destination schedule. Treatment may involve choosing when to seek daylight, keeping a consistent local bedtime and wake time, limiting stimulating light before sleep, and planning naps carefully. [Jet Lag](/conditions/jet-lag/) can cause difficulty sleeping, headache, and [Daytime Sleepiness](/symptoms/daytime-sleepiness/). Persistent sleep trouble may resemble [Insomnia](/conditions/insomnia/).

Shift routines gradually when practical. At the destination, follow local meal and sleep times, use daylight as advised for the travel direction, keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and avoid alcohol near bedtime. Drink water and do not drive if sleepy. Do not start sleeping tablets, melatonin, or another product without checking timing, interactions, and suitability with a clinician or pharmacist. [Insomnia Management](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/insomnia-management/) offers behavioural strategies.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, a sudden severe headache, or new weakness. Arrange medical review when sleep loss remains disabling, daytime sleepiness makes work or travel unsafe, or the pattern does not improve. A [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) can help frequent travellers plan around medicines and health conditions.

Ask which light and sleep schedule suits your route, whether a medicine or supplement is safe, and how to avoid next-day impairment. Mention your arrival time, direction of travel, medicines, pregnancy, sleep history, and need to drive or perform safety-critical work.