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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffJet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep disorder that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones. Jet lag is caused by a disruption to your body's internal clock or circadian rhythms — which tell your body when it's time to be awake and when it's time to sleep. The more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.
Jet lag can cause daytime fatigue, an unwell feeling, difficulty staying alert and gastrointestinal problems. Jet lag is temporary, but it can significantly degrade your vacation or business travel comfort. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent or minimize jet lag.
- Jet lag. SleepEducation.com. http://www.sleepeducation.com/Disorder.aspx?id=9. Accessed May 2, 2010.
- Sack RL. Jet lag. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;262:440.
- Czeisler CA, et al. Sleep disorders. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2897526&searchStr=sleep+disorders%2c+circadian+rhythm. Accessed May 4, 2010.
- Morgenthaler TI, et al. Practice parameters for the clinical evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Sleep. 2007;20:1445.
- Barion A, et al. A clinical approach to circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Sleep Med. 2007;8:566. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2679862/pdf/nihms29226.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2010.
- Muhm MJ, et al. Effect of aircraft-cabin altitude on passenger discomfort. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;257:19.
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