Signs & Symptoms Of Jet Lag

Jet lags interrupts the body's natural sleep pattern.

Jet lag occurs when people travel by air from one area of the country or world to another. Jet lag is known as a circadian rhythm sleep disorder, or body clock disorder, because it disrupts the body's timing of sleep. Signs and symptoms of jet lag include difficulty sleeping, different appetite schedule, and inconsistencies with body fluid functions. People who may have jet lag can expect these signs and symptoms to last for a week or more.

Poor Sleep Signs and Symptoms

Poor sleep is a sign of jet lag. People often feel very tired after a long flight from one destination to another. Difficulty sleeping, also known as insomnia, can cause this to occur, as the body tries to adjust to the new location time zone. People may feel lethargic and may not have the same energy or alertness because the body isn't receiving the adequate amount of rest required. Poor sleep caused by jet lag can also cause headaches and irritability to occur.

Appetite Timing Signs and Symptoms

Appetite is often a sign of jet lag, since the body changes its food consumption schedule to adjust to the current location time. Appetite timing is also in conjunction with the daylight hours, as most individuals eat three meals during the day. In place of feeling hungry at a regular hour, jet lag may cause a person to gain an appetite three or more hours later or earlier, depending on their location, than usual.

Body Fluids Functions Sign and Symptoms

Jet lag can cause discomfort to occur in regards to retaining and releasing bodily fluids. People who are experiencing jet lag may feel bloated and unable to use the restroom at usual times during the day. This is because the body is trying to return to the 24-hour day schedule of day and night, which helps the body regulate fluid secretion times. Foods and liquids that have been consumed may have difficulty digesting, causing gastrointestinal problems, and inducing bowel movements much earlier or later in the day than normal.

Tags: Signs Symptoms, because body, location time, Poor sleep