Jet Lag

[sharkman]

Can anyone tell me why we get jet lag. I understand the effect but want to know why ?

[WoWo]

Because your body has a sort of internal clock which due to millions of years on the earth has set itself to 24 hours. Normally you would get up at say 6 and go to be at 10. With jet lag because you are in a different time zone your body still works to this 6 - 10 timescale but this doesn't fit in with the local time. It can take some people's bodies a few days or weeks to readjust to the new time zone. Just imagine what would happen if you all of a sudden started staying up untill 3am and then getting up at 1pm it would take a while to readjust.

[Clanad]

The internal clock to which WoWo refers is called the circadian rhythm.  Very complex issue, but one determining factor in suffering it's effects is the production of hormone Melanomin by the hypothalmus (triggered by eyes detecting light or dark and their signals to brain).  I've found that Melanomin can be purchased over the counter and is some help in overcoming jet lag... as with any product or advice, get all the information you can...

[simonbentley]

Whilst the general feeling of disorientation is certainly attributed to disturbing the body's internal clock, there is no doubt that the discomfort that is commonly described as Jet Lag is also amplified by dehydration on a long flight.  Most people simply do not realise the extent to which dehydration impacts their body.  Drinking alcohol on an airplane is simply inviting jet Lag because of the dehydration. 

If you want to avoid Jet Lag (or at least minimise it), drink oodles of water before, during and after the flight and go easy on the beer and never ever drink spirits.