Which specialist treats jet lag?

Jet lag happens when your internal body clock is out of step with the local time after travel across time zones. It may lead to difficulty sleeping at night, daytime sleepiness, headache, reduced concentration, and changes in appetite. A GP can check that the symptoms match travel-related disruption and consider medicines, existing sleep problems, or another illness.

A travel-medicine clinician is useful before or after a trip when you need tailored advice about timing, light exposure, sleep routines, or health conditions that affect travel. Persistent symptoms may need a broader sleep assessment rather than being labelled jet lag automatically.

For mild symptoms, arrange a GP appointment if they interfere with work, driving, or normal activities. Bring your travel dates, time-zone changes, usual sleep pattern, medicines, and the times you slept after arrival. A travel health consultation can help you prepare for future journeys and discuss a plan suited to your itinerary.

Keep local daytime and bedtime routines, use light and activity at appropriate local times, and avoid driving when very sleepy. Do not take a sleep medicine or supplement without checking whether it is suitable and when it should be taken.

Seek prompt assessment if sleepiness is severe, symptoms continue well beyond the expected adjustment period, or headaches are sudden, severe, or accompanied by weakness, confusion, fainting, or vision changes. Urgent help is needed for breathing difficulty, chest pain, or a new neurological symptom.

Ask whether this is jet lag or another sleep problem, how to shift your schedule safely, whether any medicine is appropriate, and when you can drive or return to demanding work. Discuss any history of insomnia, snoring, mood symptoms, or medicines that cause drowsiness.